Asahi Kasei restarts Bemberg production at Nobeoka facility

Asahi Kasei has resumed production of Bemberg at its Nobeoka facility in Japan, almost four years after a partial shutdown. The Nobeoka plant is the only production location for Bemberg, the brand name for cupro, a regenerated cellulose fiber made from cotton linters. The company confirmed that output will increase step by step as upgraded areas of the facility come back online.

“Restoring production is a crucial milestone,” said Kaoru Hashimoto, Senior General Manager of Bemberg. “Together with our stakeholders, we remain committed to contributing to the development of a responsible and future-focused business.”

The restart marks an important supply development for this specialised yet widely used fiber. According to the company, Bemberg represents around 0.02 percent of global fiber production. Manufactured in Japan from cotton linters, a pre-consumer byproduct of cottonseed oil, Bemberg is produced through a traceable closed-loop system. The fiber holds RCS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and ISO 14001 certifications and has also received marine biodegradability certification from TÜV Austria.

Planned in coordination with major trade fairs such as Milano Unica and Première Vision, the Spring/Summer 2027 presentation will involve a network of European partners. The collection includes 100 percent Bemberg crepe interlocks, silk-Bemberg satins and voiles, stretch fabrics blended with elastane, and knitted developments aimed at the jersey and activewear segments.