Asahi Kasei signed its first non-exclusive licensing agreement in China for the production and sale of Acetolyte™, its proprietary acetonitrile-based electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. Under the agreement, HighChem Shanghai, an affiliate of HighChem with trading operations in China, will manufacture and market the advanced electrolyte technology for the Chinese market. The partnership marks a major milestone in Asahi Kasei’s global licensing strategy and is expected to accelerate the adoption of Acetolyte™ among battery manufacturers in China.
Addressing China’s Growing EV and Energy Storage Market
The agreement comes at a time when China’s demand for high-performance lithium-ion batteries is expanding rapidly, driven by the continued growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). By combining Asahi Kasei’s advanced electrolyte technology with HighChem Shanghai’s established customer network and strong presence in China’s battery industry, the collaboration aims to ensure a reliable local supply while accelerating market penetration of Acetolyte™.
First Licensing Deal for Acetolyte™ in China
The agreement grants HighChem Shanghai a non-exclusive licence to produce and sell Acetolyte™ exclusively for the Chinese market. It also represents Asahi Kasei’s first licensing arrangement for the technology in China, further expanding its international commercialization strategy. The company has already strengthened its Acetolyte™ business through licensing partnerships in Europe, and the China agreement marks another significant step in extending the technology’s global reach.
Advanced Electrolyte Enhances Battery Performance
Acetolyte™ is a next-generation electrolyte designed to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Its high ionic conductivity enables enhanced battery power output at low temperatures, improved durability and stability at high temperatures, higher energy density and smaller and more cost-efficient battery packs. These performance advantages make the technology particularly attractive for EV and energy storage applications, where efficiency, durability and safety remain key priorities.
Companies Highlight Strategic Benefits
Yueyuan Long, General Manager of HighChem Shanghai, said the company has nearly two decades of experience in the lithium-ion battery business and deep knowledge of the Chinese market. He noted that Acetolyte™ offers excellent low-temperature performance and believes the collaboration will unlock new opportunities for China’s battery industry. Osamu Matsuzaki, Senior Executive Officer and Head of Corporate R&D at Asahi Kasei, described the agreement as an important milestone in expanding the company’s global technology licensing business. He added that partnering with HighChem Shanghai will enable Asahi Kasei to deliver innovative battery solutions to customers in one of the world’s largest battery markets.
Licensing Strategy Supports Long-Term Growth
The agreement aligns with Asahi Kasei’s Medium-Term Management Plan, announced in April 2025, which focuses on Technology-value Business Creation (TBC). Under this strategy, the company aims to generate value from its intellectual property portfolio—including patents, technical know-how, data and algorithms—through licensing and other asset-light business models. As per the press release, Asahi Kasei plans to sign at least 10 new licensing agreements between fiscal 2025 and 2027 and targets a cumulative profit contribution of more than ¥10 billion by around 2030. The strategy is expected to accelerate commercialization of innovative technologies while creating long-term value for customers, partners and shareholders.
