Asahi Kasei has decided to invest in US-based startup NFW

Düsseldorf, Germany – Asahi Kasei has decided to invest in US-based startup NFW, a producer of non-petroleum-based leather alternative for car interiors. As part of Asahi Kasei’s medium-term growth strategy and in close cooperation with Sage Automotive Interiors, Inc. (Sage), an Asahi Kasei company and a leading global provider of innovative and functional materials for the automotive interior, this strategic partnership enables another major step to support global automotive OEMs in reducing the environmental burden of automobiles.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, NFW was founded in 2015 and has developed the only platform capable of producing precision-engineered, natural (non-petroleum-based) leather, foam, and textiles to replace animal and petrochemical-based materials. Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as having 100% biobased content, MIRUM®, the company’s patented leather alternative, is made from natural rubber, natural fibers, plant oils, natural pigments, and minerals. The material offers superior durability and quality that can replace traditional animal-based or synthetic leather products without the use of any polyurethane or other coatings.

Sage is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative functional materials used in
automobile interiors globally. Since its acquisition by Asahi Kasei in 2018, Sage has strengthened its
business activities in Europe and China through mergers and acquisitions in parallel to expanding its
lineup of growth-potential materials such as suede and synthetic leather. As one of the leading global
suppliers in the car seat fabric market, Sage has a strong presence among automakers and suppliers.
Dirk Pieper, Chairman of the Sage Board of Directors and Lead Executive for the development and
growth of Asahi Kasei’s overall automotive product offering, stated, “The cooperation with NFW will
enable Asahi Kasei and Sage to assist global automakers in reducing the environmental burden of
their cars. By jointly developing and manufacturing a non-petroleum-based and fully circular leather
alternative, the Asahi Kasei Group takes a leading position in revolutionizing the market for car interior
materials.”

The cooperation with NFW is the first project within Asahi Kasei’s “Care for Earth” investment
framework, announced in April 2023. Asahi Kasei allocated up to $100 million for investments
worldwide in early-stage startups that aim to solve issues in environmental fields such as hydrogen,
energy storage, carbon management, and bio-based chemicals over the 5-year period up to fiscal