Asahi Kasei Advance has opened Airbag Fabric Vietnam (AFV) in Thai Binh Province, Vietnam, with Teijin Frontier (Teijin Frontier), for fabric for airbags. Featuring exceptional strength, heat resistance, durability, and light weight, the Leona nylon 66 filament is used in industrial applications as airbag yarn and tire cord for the automobile industry.

Vehicle airbags are a major application, and continuing growth is forecasted as vehicle production rises in Asia, safety requirements become higher, and the number of airbags per vehicle increases. Furthermore, customers’ needs for airbags are expected to diversify as markets trend toward CASE (connected, autonomous, shared/service, electric) and sustainability. As a manufacturer of material for airbags, the Asahi Kasei has been manufacturing and selling Leona 66 filament, operating a joint venture with Teijin Frontier manufacturing fabric for airbags in China, and manufacturing and selling sewn fabric, the company said in a press release.

By manufacturing airbag fabric in Vietnam, AFV will enhance the Asahi Kasei’s ability to meet growing demand and quickly respond to the diversifying needs of customers through integrated production encompassing feedstock, yarn, fabric, and sewing, while providing added value and strengthening the overall airbag material supply chain.