Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co. (MGC; Tokyo) has announced new capacity investment at the ophthalmic lens monomer IURESIN plant in Yokkaichi Plant (Yokkaichi City, Mie, Japan) and the sales launch of a bio-based lens monomer which is produced in the existing Naniwa Plant (Osaka, Japan).
IURESIN lens monomer is widely used mainly for refractive index of 1.74 in the ophthalmic lens market. This category is so-called ultra-high refractive index which is the highest index in plastic ophthalmic lens materials. MGC has major share in this category and is expecting steady growth in this category where the number of myopia, especially strong myopia people is increasing.
MGC will build new facility in Yokkaichi Plant and will start mass production within 2026 in addition to existing Naniwa Plant capacity. This investment is to cater growing demand from ophthalmic lens market.
MGC is planning sales launch of bio-based lens monomer Episleaf produced at the Naniwa Plant from 2024.