Celgard enters into strategic alliance agreement for high-performance lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery separator technology with American Battery Factory

Celgard, LLC, a subsidiary of Polypore International, LP, (Polypore) has entered into a strategic alliance agreement with American Battery Factory (ABF). Celgard and ABF will undertake joint research projects to commercialize state-of-the-art next generation products for reliable high-technology prismatic lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the U.S.

Under the terms of the agreement, Celgard will supply 100% of ABF’s separator needs for LFP battery cells in the U.S. Furthermore, Celgard and ABF will share resources to develop advanced technologies and next generation cells for LFP batteries. Additionally, they will explore opportunities to establish a robust domestic LFP ecosystem in the U.S. with improved access to precursor materials and expanded capacity that provides LFP to a broader customer base.

Asahi Kasei, Polypore’s parent company, may further support the LFP supply chain through its widely diversified manufacturing base and ABF will evaluate component supply opportunities for items such as plastic battery packs and thermal retardant materials that could further benefit the LFP supply chain and industry.

“We are excited to work with ABF to develop and showcase Celgard next generation membrane separators and to advance lithium battery technology with LFP chemistry,” said Lie Shi, Asahi Kasei global head of separator business development and executive vice president of Polypore. “LFP represents an important market and Celgard dry-process membrane separators offer a high-performance technology solution for this application.”