Zeon begins construction for single-walled carbon nanotube plant

Tokyo, Japan – Zeon has begun construction of a production facility for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at its Tokuyama Plan. The new facility, scheduled to begin full-scale operation in 2028, is expected to boost the Tokuyama Plant’s production capacity to tens of times its current level, strengthening Zeon’s presence in the SWCNT market amid growing demand, particularly for lithium-ion batteries, while further enhancing its capabilities to ensure a stable supply. This project has been certified by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) under its Ensuring Supply Plan for Storage Batteries.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site on August 25, 2026, with guests from METI, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and Shunan City, as well as representatives from companies involved in the construction, along with Zeon officials including President Toyoshima and Plant Manager Honma. A total of 44 people attended the event to pray for safety during construction.

Originally developed in Japan, carbon nanotubes are lightweight and offer high electrical conductivity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. In particular, demand for SWCNTs is growing as they significantly enhance both the energy density and cycle life of batteries. SWCNTs are considered a highly promising material for lithium-ion batteries, for which demand is rapidly increasing not only in applications such as electric vehicles, drones, and eVTOL aircraft, but also across industrial sectors including AI server BBUs, renewable energy ESS, and automation and robotics. In 2015, Zeon became the first company in the world to successfully mass-produce SWCNTs using its proprietary Super-Growth Method. Under the ZEONANO® brand, Zeon manufactures and sells SWCNTs characterized by high purity, high specific surface area, and a high aspect ratio.

The new facility will feature a proprietary manufacturing process that builds upon and further enhances Zeon’s Super-Growth Method, substantially increasing overall production capacity while comparable in scale to the existing facility. This initiative aligns with Zeon’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and quality.
Under its Medium-Term Business Plan STAGE30, Zeon has identified SWCNTs as a next-phase growth driver and aims to achieve growth exceeding the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the target market. Zeon will continue to address market needs and meet societal expectations while contributing to more comfortable lives for people around the world.