Asahi Kasei (Tokyo, Japan; www.asahi-kasei.co.jp) announced that its Specialty Solutions business unit will build a second plant for microcrystalline cellulose (trade name Ceolus) at its Mizushima Works site in Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
Ceolus is used to enhance the compactibility of tablets for pharmaceuticals and supplements (Source: Asahi Kasei)
Asahi Kasei currently manufactures Ceolus, a microcrystalline cellulose used primarily in pharmaceuticals as tablet binder, in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan. Microcrystalline cellulose is a white powder made from natural pulp, mainly used as an excipient for pharmaceuticals and foods. To meet growing demand, Asahi Kasei has decided to make a capital expenditure to double the production capacity and achieve a stable supply through multiple production sites.
Asahi Kasei expects groundbreaking for the new site to take place in September 2021, with completion in spring 2023. The investment amount for the new site will be around ¥13 billion ($126 million).