09.03.21
Tokyo, Japan
www.mitsui.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $201 million
Key Personnel
Kazuya Kusana, general manager
Plants
Japan, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, needlepunch, thermal bond
Brand Names
Tafnel, Syntex, Syntex Nano
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, face masks, filtration, agriculture
In March 2021, Mitsui Chemicals sold 100% ownership of Mitsui Chemicals Nonwovens (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (MCNT), its Chinese subsidiary for the production and sales of nonwovens, to Foshan Nanhai Beautiful Nonwoven Co., Ltd. The Tianjin site, which was opened in 2014, was capable of making 15,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens per year.
BTF is a prominent manufacturer of medical and sanitary nonwovens with production facilities not only in China but also in the U.S. Mitsui Chemicals has had a relationship with BTF for more than 15 years – including through outsourced manufacturing of high-performance medical nonwovens – and continues to see the company as an important partner for cooperation purposes moving forward.
Following this sale, Mitsui continues to make spunbond nonwovens at its sites in Japan and Thailand with a total production capacity of 88,000 tons per year and hopes to concentrate its efforts on Japan and the ASEAN regions. Its most recent investment in spunbond technology was in 2008 when the company added two lines—one in Japan capable of making 15,000 tons per year in Japan and a 6000 ton line Thailand.
Both of these investments increased Mitsui’s output of high performance nonwovens including its Airyfa nonwovens. Airyfa uses proprietary spinning technology to make a high performance nonwoven that is gentle on skin, allowing it to be strong and soft at the same time.
Mitsui also makes breathable films in Thailand under the Espoir brand name. The company’s breathable film has been widely recognized by eastern and southeastern manufacturers for its excellent performance and good printability, both important requirements for premium diapers, and as a result has shown healthy sales growth.
As demand for diapers has decreased in Japan, Mitsui has worked on increasing sales of its masks and isolation gowns, which has been escalated during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Outside of spunbond, Mitsui expanded its production facilities for meltblown nonwovens at wholly owned subsidiary Sunrex Industry Co., Ltd., starting operations in early 2021. The investment responded to growing demand for industrial-use meltblown nonwovens, and will increase the Mitsui Chemicals Group’s overall production capacity for these materials by 50%.
www.mitsui.co.jp
2020 Nonwovens Sales: $201 million
Key Personnel
Kazuya Kusana, general manager
Plants
Japan, Thailand
Processes
Spunbond, meltblown, needlepunch, thermal bond
Brand Names
Tafnel, Syntex, Syntex Nano
Major Markets
Hygiene, medical, face masks, filtration, agriculture
In March 2021, Mitsui Chemicals sold 100% ownership of Mitsui Chemicals Nonwovens (Tianjin) Co., Ltd. (MCNT), its Chinese subsidiary for the production and sales of nonwovens, to Foshan Nanhai Beautiful Nonwoven Co., Ltd. The Tianjin site, which was opened in 2014, was capable of making 15,000 tons of spunbond nonwovens per year.
BTF is a prominent manufacturer of medical and sanitary nonwovens with production facilities not only in China but also in the U.S. Mitsui Chemicals has had a relationship with BTF for more than 15 years – including through outsourced manufacturing of high-performance medical nonwovens – and continues to see the company as an important partner for cooperation purposes moving forward.
Following this sale, Mitsui continues to make spunbond nonwovens at its sites in Japan and Thailand with a total production capacity of 88,000 tons per year and hopes to concentrate its efforts on Japan and the ASEAN regions. Its most recent investment in spunbond technology was in 2008 when the company added two lines—one in Japan capable of making 15,000 tons per year in Japan and a 6000 ton line Thailand.
Both of these investments increased Mitsui’s output of high performance nonwovens including its Airyfa nonwovens. Airyfa uses proprietary spinning technology to make a high performance nonwoven that is gentle on skin, allowing it to be strong and soft at the same time.
Mitsui also makes breathable films in Thailand under the Espoir brand name. The company’s breathable film has been widely recognized by eastern and southeastern manufacturers for its excellent performance and good printability, both important requirements for premium diapers, and as a result has shown healthy sales growth.
As demand for diapers has decreased in Japan, Mitsui has worked on increasing sales of its masks and isolation gowns, which has been escalated during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Outside of spunbond, Mitsui expanded its production facilities for meltblown nonwovens at wholly owned subsidiary Sunrex Industry Co., Ltd., starting operations in early 2021. The investment responded to growing demand for industrial-use meltblown nonwovens, and will increase the Mitsui Chemicals Group’s overall production capacity for these materials by 50%.