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Asahi Kasei expands Planova production with new spinning plant

Asahi Kasei Life Science, a division of diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei, announced plans to construct a new spinning plant for its Planova virus removal filters in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki, Japan.

The new facility will be the company’s fourth spinning plant for hollow-fibre cellulose membrane filters. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, with operations starting in January 2030. The initiative, backed by a grant from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), aligns with Asahi Kasei’s recently announced medium-term management plan “Trailblaze Together,” which positions the Life Science business as a key driver of future growth.

According to a report by Market.US, the global biopharmaceutical market is forecasted to surpass $500 billion by 2032, with compound annual growth of 8.2% from 2022 to 2032. This will drive a sharp increase in demand for developing and commercialising new drugs, resulting in the need for virus removal filters essential in manufacturing biologics.  With strong market growth projected to continue, Planova is well-positioned as one of the global leaders in virus filtration for plasma-derived therapeutics and biologics. The new plant will significantly expand the company’s production capacity in response to accelerating global demand, focusing on the production of Planova filters S20N, 15N, 20N, 35N, and 75N. The planned capacity expansion represents a strategic investment to capture future demand, enhance global supply chain resilience, and reinforce the position of Planova in the high-value bioprocessing market.

“This new plant reinforces the momentum behind our newly established Life Science business,” said Yusuke Kanazawa, head of the bioprocess division at Asahi Kasei Life Science Corporation. “It demonstrates Asahi Kasei’s commitment to making strategic investments while responding to rising global demand for virus filtration. This project was selected under METI’s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Project, which supports the development of domestic infrastructure critical for vaccine production during public health emergencies. Through this government-backed initiative, we are strengthening our supply resilience and enhancing our competitiveness in the global biopharmaceutical market.”

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Medicine

Aramex Scoop Sustainability AwardGlobal logistics giant Aramex has been awarded the Sustainability in Distribution award at the recent Distributing Pharmaceuticals UK award event at the Coventry Building Society Arena. The awards night recognised the very best in innovation and sustainability from those that are directly involved in the design, development or distribution of pharmaceuticals – a sector in which Aramex has a significant footprint. Despite being up against fierce competition within their selected category, the judges ruled that Aramex’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and mitigating climate risks were what tipped the scales on the night. Citing a 42% reduction based on scope 1 & 2 and a 25% reduction on scope 3, dependent on supplier commitment, Aramex has since 2006 implemented a multifaceted climate change mitigation strategy with the sole aim of minimising its carbon footprint and improving its impact on the environment. This strategy involves investment into renewable energy projects, commitment to minimising waste and promoting recycling across its network, enhancing energy efficiency across its operations, with initiatives such as ISO 14001 certification, LEED certification for its facilities along with further energy efficiency projects to drive down usage. Reduced water consumption, route optimisation projects to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, and a commitment to gradually transitioning its fleet to electric and low-emission vehicles have also been put in place. Aramex has also implemented its Future Vehicle Program which explores innovative solutions such as autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact in the years to come. Ronan Kitchin who heads up the Life Science and Healthcare division at Aramex UK commented: “We are delighted to have been recognised by Distributing Pharmaceuticals at their recent award event for our work in driving sustainability initiatives throughout our distribution services – a commitment which we have made significant strides towards over the past two decades. “With a legacy of championing sustainability, our environmental and climate change mitigation strategy looks to deliver tangible and positive changes in reducing emissions across the entire business – whether that be in our efforts to minimise waste or reducing fuel consumption. Ensuring our footprint is kept at a minimum where possible is at the top of our agenda and we couldn’t be prouder that this has been recognised by an independent panel of respected industry experts within the pharmaceutical industry – a sector within which we have a long and proud history serving. “Ultimately, it’s about doing the right thing. The world is undergoing a rate of change which is incomparable to anything humankind has ever faced before and therefore all need to play their part if the collective goal of defeating the worsening climate crisis is to be achieved. A huge thanks must therefore go out to all team members across the Aramex network who have each played a part in helping the company make such incredible inroads in its own sustainability goals.”