Our History

Proven Performance

With more than 30 years of experience in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of high-performance membrane separators, Celgard is a recognized leader among lithium battery material suppliers, delivering outstanding product performance, reliable supply, technical solutions, and global business support.

Celgard® products were initially developed in the mid-1960s at the Celanese Research Labs in Summit, New Jersey, USA.  By the mid-1970s, our membranes enjoyed commercial success as a key component in blood oxygenation devices commonly used in heart bypass surgery. 

Celgard has been developing and producing separators for primary (single-use) lithium batteries since the early 1980s, and for secondary (rechargeable) lithium batteries since the early 1990s.

Timeline of Significant Celgard® Membrane Separator Events:


2009

2008

2008

2007
Polypore International, Inc. IPO (NYSE: PPO)

2005
Opening of Shanghai, China membrane slitting facility

2004
Second expansion of Charlotte, NC flat sheet membrane production facility

2004
Celgard and Daramic businesses acquired by Polypore

1999
Celgard business acquired by Daramic, a division of
The InterTech Group

1997
First expansion of Charlotte, NC flat sheet membrane production facility

1994
Entry into secondary (rechargeable) lithium battery market

1987
Hoechst AG acquires Celanese, Inc – Forms Hoechst Celanese Corp.

1986
South Point Business Park facility built in Charlotte, NC

1981
Entry into primary (single-use) lithium market

1974
First commercial sales of Celgard® membranes

1969
First microporous film patents granted

1966
Initial product development begins at Celanese Research Labs