At the end of 2021, FUJIFILM opened a new Life Science factory in Tilburg. In this factory, cell culture media are produced. Cell culture media are used in the biopharmaceutical industry and serve as nutrients for cells when making drugs or vaccines (e.g. COVID), this biopharmaceutical market is growing at high speed. Fujifilm is continuously expanding its activities in the field of preventive healthcare and treatment. The clean room production in Tilburg takes place under strict quality requirements.
The production of cell culture media is a complex technological process. In 2020 Tilburg was chosen as location because Fujifilm in Tilburg has this production expertise, the facilities and a good infrastructure towards the European market. Furthermore we are prepared for the growing market demand with room for future expansion in our Life Science Manufacturing environment.
It seems like a big step from photographic products to cell culture media, but there are many similarities. Quality is very important for both products. In Tilburg we have a lot of expertise in the area of accurately weighing, mixing and dissolving substances. We also have knowledge and experience in the field of Life Science Manufacturing. For example, FUJIFILM developed a recombinant peptide for medical applications, as an alternative to animal materials.
Our cell culture media are "animal component free", i.e. without animal or human ingredients and are used by Fujifilm Irvine Scientific's customers for growing cells on Petri dishes or in bioreactors. The plant produces cell culture media powder mixtures, cell culture media solutions and Water For Injection (WFI).
Learn more about cell culture media: Fujifilm Irvine Scientific
The Life Science Manufacturing facility fits within Fujifilm's Sustainability Value Plan 2030 for sustainable growth. Fujifilm's strategy focuses on climate change, energy issues and promoting resource reuse. For our new facility, this means specifically:
- We are working toward a carbon-neutral facility
- Reducing the amount of water used during production
- Running 100% of the production process's electricity on wind power