Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (MCI; Tokyo; www.mitsuichem.com) announced the augmentation of manufacturing facilities for breathable films at its wholly owned Mitsui Hygiene Materials (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a manufacturer and distributor of non-wovens and breathable films for use in premium diapers, to cope with growing demands throughout East and Southeast Asia. The films are marketed under the name ESPOIR . Previously, the plant had a capacity of 6,700 metric tons per year (m.t./yr), and the capacity expansion will add 4,200 m.t./yr, resulting in a total production capacity of 10,900 m.t./yr of breathable films. Construction is expected to be completed in a year, with commercial operations targeted to begin in January 2017.
The augmentation will bolster growth and expansion of healthcare materials, along with the mobility and food & packaging businesses as growth pillars. One of the major products in the company’s healthcare domain is hygienic materials. In line with relocation and overseas expansion of premium diaper manufacturers, MCI aims to expand business in performance-driven hygienic materials by enhancing our supply capabilities throughout East and Southeast Asia.
Inbound and export (mainly China) demand for Japan-made premium baby diapers has expanded rapidly. In addition, premium disposal diapers needs in Southeast Asia have grown significantly and the market boom is expected to continue.