Showa Denko Group to expand its Packaging Material Production Capacity

Showa Denko Packaging Co., Ltd., has decided to increase its production capacity for aluminum laminated films used for packaging lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Specifically, Showa Denko Packaging will expand the production facility at its Hikone Plant in Shiga Prefecture, doubling annual production capacity versus the 2010 level. Construction work will start next month, and the expanded facility will start up in the second half of 2013.

Showa Denko Packaging has developed the aluminum laminated film - a composite material of resin film and aluminum foil - using its know-how accumulated over many years to mold laminated films for food containers. Compared with metallic LIBs (either cylindrical type or prism type), aluminum-laminated-film-based pouch type LIBs provide higher flexibility in molding, lighter weight, and better heat dissipation. Thus, pouch type LIBs are widely used as small LIBs for portable devices, including mobile phones and notebook PCs.

Reflecting the rapid growth of the market for smartphones and tablet PCs, demand for aluminum laminated film is surging, as it contributes toward the miniaturization of LIBs. The market for small LIBs using aluminum laminated film is expected to grow, to around 20 billion yen in 2015, twice as large as the market size in 2012.

The advanced battery materials business is positioned as one of the "growth businesses" under the Showa Denko Group's medium-term consolidated business plan PEGASUS. In particular, the Group has a high market share with regard to aluminum laminated films for LIB packaging. With the scheduled expansion, the Group will ensure stable supply of its high-quality aluminum laminated films to meet the growing demand for LIB covering the automotive applications as well.