Asahi Kasei invests in US startup NFW

Cooperation to deliver scale in the field of non-petroleum-based, fully circular leather alternative for automotive interiors

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 the development, manufacture, and sales of innovative functional materials used in automobile interiors globally. Since its acquisition by Asahi Kasei in 2018, Sage has been strengthening its business activities in Europe and China through mergers and acquisitions, 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, states, “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.”

First project within the “Care for Earth” investment framework

The cooperation with NFW is the first project within Asahi Kasei’s “Care for Earth” investment framework announced in April 2023. The company 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 2027. As described in its medium-term management plan in April 2022, the car interior material business is one of Asahi Kasei’s “10 Growth Gears” (GG10), businesses that are to drive future growth, targeting more than 70% of operating income around 2030.