Fujifilm starts production line for blue energy membranes in Tilburg, the Netherlands
Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe officially started the new production line for membranes in Tilburg, the Netherlands on 17 September.
COO of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, president Shigehiro Nakajima (top photo) opened the new production line together with Japanese Ambassador in the Netherlands Tsuji, King’s Commissioner of the province of Noord-Brabant Van de Donk and President of Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe, Peter Struik.
The opening of the new production line is a new step for Fujifilm, as the membranes are a new product and also a completely new market. One of the applications is for the production of 'blue energy' that retrieves electricity from different salt concentrations in salt and fresh water.
Innovation: thin layer coating
Due to the increase in digitization, Fujifilm decided to focus more on the development of alternative products. The company used for this purpose their knowledge and experience which was accumulated by the production of photo paper, colour negative film and offset plates.
With each of these product groups, a thin layer of coating is placed on a bearer, a core technique which Fujifilm is now continuing to use in the production of membranes.
Ion exchange membranes
Over the past years, Fujifilm has developed a new technology platform, whereby different types of membranes can be produced for water and gas separation.
The developed membrane technology platform is also applicable for the production of so-called ion exchange membranes. These are membranes suitable for water purification.
These ion exchange membranes can also be used for the generation of 'blue energy', an alternative energy source, resulting in energy generation from the difference in salt concentrations between salt and fresh water.
At this moment, there are ongoing tests, with among others a trial installation at the Afsluitdijk (Closure Dam) in the Netherlands.
New water purification plant
The purification of gasses or water fits well in the sustainable business operations at Fujifilm. The company works continuously on the preservation of products and processes. For example the five wind turbines on the site and the afterburner for waste gasses in the offset plate factory.
In the autumn of this year, a start will be made with the water purification plant on the Fujifilm site, which is a joint venture with neighbouring companies to purify their waste water.
About Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe
Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe in Tilburg is one of the largest production establishments of Fujifilm outside of Japan. The company was established in 1982 and approximately 900 employees work on the site which is 63 hectare large.
Fujifilm Tilburg produces aside from membranes, also photo paper and offset plates and has its own Research Laboratory.
This news item was originally published on the website of Fujifilm.
More information
Fujifilm Manufacturing Europe
Tilburg, the Netherlands
+31 13 579 1911
www.fujifilm.eu/membrane-technology