Fujifilm launches fine chemicals division

FUJIFILM has launched its fine chemicals division, as it seeks to expand its production of high-function and laboratory chemicals.

The company made its name producing photographic films and has since tapped into that advanced chemical synthesis technology to make laboratory reagents, high-function chemicals, LCD materials and graphic arts materials. Launching a specific division for such chemicals will create the necessary structure to expand its existing business.

As part of that expansion, Fujifilm completed its tender offer for laboratory chemical manufacturer Wako Pure Chemical Industries on 3 April. Wako will become a consolidated subsidiary of Fujifilm on 21 April. Fujifilm will also market its library of more than 200,000 chemical compounds through Wako’s distribution network in Japan, and use its own global networks to promote Wako’s speciality and laboratory chemicals.

Fujifilm expects growth to accelerate still further as the two companies develop new chemicals by combining their advanced chemical synthesis technologies..

Fujifilm believes that the demand for high function chemicals will increase due to growth in the markets for various products in which they are raw materials. It highlights the areas of super-absorbent polymers and chemicals called photoresists, which are used in the production of semiconductors. Demand is growing particularly fast in emerging economies. It also expects strong growth in laboratory chemicals for R&D applications in new drugs and products, and for environmental analysis.