Panasonic to Begin Producing Catalyst-coated Diesel Particulate Filter in China

Just recently, Panasonic Corp. has announced its establishment of a new factory in Suzhou, China through its subsidiary, Panasonic Ecology Systems, to manufacture a new type of catalyst-coated diesel particulate filter that decomposes particulate matter contained in diesel engine exhaust gas.

Due to the increasingly strict emissions regulations, specifically in Japan, the United States and Europe, Panasonic is expanding its automotive catalyst business for cleaning diesel exhaust. The new Suzhou plant, which is scheduled for operation next month, will produce the revolutionary filters for its customers, including a new customer in the engine production industry in China.

Panasonic Ecology Systems, a leading manufacturer if indoor air quality (IAQ) products for global markets, including air purifiers and ventilation fans, developed a new catalyst to coat diesel particulate filters (DPF) that clean diesel exhaust gas. The new catalyst compound does not use platinum and is also energy efficient as it is capable in decomposing particulate matter at a lower temperature than normal catalysts.

Just recently, Panasonic won the first order from an engine manufacturer in China, where there is an increasingly stringent automotive emissions regulations. The company’s filters will be embraced by existing diesel vehicles and non-road diesel machinery, for which regulations will be reinforced in the future. To immediately respond to the demand, the Suzhou facility will utilize the powdered catalyst produced at Ecology Systems’ facility in Kasugai City, Japan, to coat a DPF base material for the production of the filters.

The new plant enables Panasonic’s catalyst business for cleaning diesel exhaust to move into a higher gear. The company aims to reach 10 billion yen in sales in the fiscal year ending March 2019. It also targets to continuously contribute to a healthy and comfortable environment by offering highly energy-efficient IAQ products for international markets.