[Asahi Kasei company Celgard forms battery strategic alliance with Lithion] Polypore subsidiary Celgard announced a new strategic alliance with Lithion on June 7 local time, according to which the two companies will jointly develop battery separators for next-generation lithium-ion batteries using lithium iron phosphate cathode materials. Through the agreement, Celgard will provide Lithion with 100% long-term supply of lithium-ion battery diaphragms for its plant in Henderson, Nevada, and future 7GWh Gigafactory, which will be operational in 2026, mainly for ESS applications. In addition, Asahi Kasei, the parent company of Celgard, may also support Lithion's battery manufacturing requirements.