Plastics group Asahi Kasei (Tokyo / Japan; www.asahi-kasei.co.jp) is expanding production for “Lamous” artificial suede at its plant in Nobeoka / Japan in two stages. The first will raise capacity from 6m m²/y to 10m m²/y, with the second step adding an additional 4m m²/y in 2021. Start-up of the plant at full capacity is expected by 2022.

The three-layer material is partly made of recycled polyester, from PET bottles and textiles, and processed with water-based polyurethane. In Europe, Lamous is dyed by the Italian company Miko (Gorizia; www.dinamicamiko.com) and marketed under the “Dinamica” brand as an eco-suede for automotive interiors. It is also used in furniture and shoes.

The Japanese company announced in early summer that it will relocate its European headquarters to the harbour in Düsseldorf / Germany – see Plasteurope.com of 17.05.2019.