Asahi Kasei to Supply Hipore™ Lithium-Ion Battery Separator to Toyota Tsusho - CleanTechnica

Asahi Kasei and Toyota Tsusho have formed a strategic partnership to supply Asahi Kasei’s Hipore™ wet-process lithium-ion battery (LIB) separators to Toyota Tsusho America (TAI) in North America. Under a capacity rights agreement, Asahi Kasei Battery Separator America (AKBSA) will prioritize TAI’s share of production capacity from its new Charlotte, North Carolina plant, starting in mid-2027. This collaboration aims to stabilize supply for Toyota Tsusho while enabling Asahi Kasei to maintain high operational efficiency and mitigate market risks. The partnership leverages Asahi Kasei’s expertise in functional materials and Toyota Tsusho’s mobility industry knowledge to accelerate the adoption of high-quality LIB separators and support the manufacturing of advanced electric vehicles in the region. Additionally, Asahi Kasei is advancing plans to establish a battery separator facility in Canada to meet growing North American demand, further expanding its footprint in the battery ecosystem. Both companies emphasize the alliance