Zeon Corporation Expands Production of Phase Difference Films for Large LCD TVs

Zeon Corporation Expands Production of Phase Difference Films

Zeon Corporation, headquartered in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, under the leadership of CEO Tetsuya Toyoshima, has announced plans to expand its production of phase difference films specifically designed for large LCD televisions. The new production line will be established at the Himi Futakami Factory in Himi City, Toyama Prefecture, to meet the growing demand in the large-screen television market. The expansion aims not only to increase supply efficiency but also to solidify the company's business continuity plans (BCP) by reinforcing operations across two main facilities: the Himi Futakami and the Tsuruga Factory located in Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture.

By adding the new line, Zeon expects to boost its production capacity for LCD television phase difference films by approximately 20%, raising it to an impressive annual total of 26.4 million square meters. The groundwork for this expansion is scheduled to commence in December 2025, with full-scale production targeted for the summer of 2027.

Zeon's optical films, branded as ZeonorFilm®, utilize a unique polymer design technology. The films are produced from thermoplastic plastic made from cycloolefin polymer (COP), marking the first instance of production via a melt-extrusion process globally. ZeonorFilm® is known for its excellent optical properties and outstanding dimensional stability, making it increasingly popular for phase difference film applications that enhance features like viewing angle compensation and anti-reflection in displays of large televisions and mobile devices.

Since 2020, Zeon has been involved in the production of wide films (2,500 mm) at the Tsuruga Factory in response to the trend towards larger LCD panels. Currently, the company has established two production lines for this width. The latest investment aims to further accelerate the demand for large displays by enabling the production of films up to 3,000 mm wide, a scale that supports the manufacturing of LCD panels as large as 130 inches, one of the biggest in the world.

As part of the expansion, a new building will be constructed within the Himi Futakami Factory, which will house equipment capable of producing 45 million square meters annually. After the expansion is completed, the capacity for producing films wider than 2,500 mm is projected to reach 145 million square meters, with the overall production capacity for phase difference films for televisions increasing accordingly to 26.4 million square meters.

This initiative aligns with Zeon’s mid-term management plan, STAGE30, where COP (cycloolefin polymer) is prioritized as a key business area. The company is committed to capturing market needs and responding to societal expectations while striving to enhance the quality of life for people globally.

In September 2025, Zeon plans to commence operations at a recycling plant in the Takaoka Factory, with an annual production capacity of 6,000 tons. Furthermore, a new plant with a capacity of 12,000 tons is anticipated to be operational by 2028 in Shunan City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. ZeonorFilm® is renowned for its low moisture absorption, low impurities, and low outgassing qualities, which significantly contribute to its versatility across diverse applications, including optical, medical, and semiconductor transport containers.

With its state-of-the-art production capabilities and innovative polymer technology, Zeon is poised to secure its position as a leader in the optical film industry as it endeavors to meet the evolving needs of consumers and technological advancements.