In a strategic move to strengthen North America’s electric vehicle (EV) supply chain, Japanese materials powerhouse Asahi Kasei has entered into a key partnership with Toyota Tsusho to ensure a reliable supply of Hipore™ lithium-ion battery (LIB) separators in the region.
The agreement, formalised between their respective U.S. subsidiaries — Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America (AKBSA) and Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. (TAI) — will grant TAI a preferential share of AKBSA’s production capacity. Beginning mid-2027, AKBSA will supply coated Hipore™ wet-process separators from its new facility currently under construction in Charlotte, North Carolina.
This collaboration is expected to stabilise supply chains, enhance resource efficiency, and support Toyota Tsusho’s broader efforts to establish a robust battery infrastructure across North America. For Asahi Kasei, the deal reinforces its commitment to expanding its footprint in the fast-growing EV materials sector.
“This alliance fits perfectly with Asahi Kasei’s global growth strategy to build and strengthen a supply chain in North America,” said Ryu Taniguchi, Lead Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei. “Together with Toyota Tsusho, we will build an ecosystem that supports electrification and leads the way to a carbon-neutral future.”
Kazuyuki Urata, COO of Toyota Tsusho’s Circular Economy Division, added, “This is an important step toward the acceleration of electrification in North America and the realisation of a sustainable mobility society.”
The partnership comes amid surging demand for EV batteries and is aligned with both companies’ sustainability goals. In addition to the Charlotte facility, Asahi Kasei is moving forward with plans to establish a second separator production site in Canada, as announced in May 2024. The dual U.S.-Canada presence is expected to solidify the company’s position as a major player in the evolving North American battery supply chain.
Combining Asahi Kasei’s expertise in advanced functional materials with Toyota Tsusho’s global logistics and mobility network, the alliance is poised to accelerate the adoption of high-performance wet-process separators. This, in turn, is expected to enable next-generation EVs and drive North America’s transition to sustainable mobility.
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