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Japan Zeon's Production Expansion of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Japan Zeon Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has made a significant decision to boost the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) at its Tokuyama Factory located in Shunan, Yamaguchi Prefecture. This expansion is poised to multiply its production capacity by several dozen times compared to current levels. The primary aim of this initiative is to enhance Zeon's presence in the expanding SWCNT market, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, while also strengthening its supply stability.

The construction at the Tokuyama site is scheduled to commence in the autumn of 2026, with full-scale operations expected to launch by 2028. This initiative has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry as an approved plan for securing supply related to energy storage batteries.

Carbon nanotubes are a revolutionary material originating from Japan, characterized by their high conductivity and lightweight properties, leading to diverse application potentials. Among these materials, SWCNT is gaining recognition for its capacity to substantially enhance energy density and cycle life of batteries. This growing demand spans across various consumer applications such as electric vehicles, drones, and eVTOL aircraft, as well as industrial sectors including AI server baseband units, renewable energy energy storage systems, and automated robotics, further driving the demand for lithium-ion batteries.

Japan Zeon succeeded in mass-producing SWCNT using its unique super-growth technology back in 2015, being the first in the world to do so. They manufacture and sell high-purity, high surface area, and high aspect ratio SWCNT under the brand name ZEONANO®.

To accommodate the burgeoning demand centered around lithium-ion batteries, Zeon plans to construct a new building and establish production lines within the Tokuyama factory premises. Notably, they have successfully developed an advanced proprietary manufacturing method, further enhancing their existing production technique. The new production line will leverage this method, aiming to boost efficiency and improve quality simultaneously.

Future Growth Plans

Zeon's mid-term management plan, STAGE30, positions SWCNT as a key driver for future growth, aiming to exceed the growth rates of the target markets. In October 2025, they made a strategic investment in the Taiwan-based startup Sino Applied Technology Co., Ltd., specializing in developing conductive pastes using SWCNT, further demonstrating their commitment to expanding operations. This recent decision to increase production capacity is expected to lay the groundwork for even broader applications of SWCNT.

Looking ahead, Japan Zeon continues to align its strategies with market needs, aiming to fulfill social expectations while contributing to a more comfortable lifestyle for people. The company's dedication to innovation and quality ensures that it remains at the forefront of advancements in materials science and technology, particularly in fields that significantly impact our daily lives.