Asahi Glass Company has developed an ion exchange membrane of a new carboxylated perfluoropolymer named Flemion to function in the chlor-alkali process with considerable energy saving. A caustic soda solution of over 35% concentration is directly produced in the electrolytic cell at a low cell voltage. Asahi has further reduced energy consumption with a new high-performance membrane. Flemion DX, employed in an innovative cell system named AZEC.