Asahi Kasei to Double PIMEL?? Photosensitive Polyimide Production Capacity by 2030

Asahi Kasei plans to double production capacity for PIMEL?? photosensitive polyimide at its Fuji City facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan by 2030. The expansion will improve supply resilience for essential materials in semiconductor manufacturing and support the global electronics industry. PIMEL?? is used for buffer coatings, passivation layers, and redistribution layers in semiconductor applications. Asahi Kasei will invest approximately ¥16 billion in this expansion.

Diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei has announced plans to double its production capacity for PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) at its Fuji City facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, by 2030. This strategic move aims to bolster supply resilience for essential materials in semiconductor manufacturing and support the global electronics industry.

The expansion, which includes an investment of approximately ¥16 billion, will significantly enhance Asahi Kasei's ability to meet the rapidly growing demand for next-generation semiconductor interlayer insulation. The company forecasts an average annual growth rate of 8% for this market, driven by the global semiconductor industry's projected revenue of over US$1 trillion by the mid-2030s [1].

PIMEL™ PSPI is a critical material used in various semiconductor applications, including buffer coatings, passivation layers, and redistribution layers. These applications help protect delicate semiconductor devices from mechanical stress and contamination, as well as optimize electrical connections for high-density circuit designs. The material's versatility has made it an essential part of the global semiconductor supply chain and a key enabler for next-generation generative AI technologies.

Nobuko Uetake, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and key leader in the company’s electronics materials business, commented on the expansion: "The rapid growth of generative AI and other advanced technologies is driving unprecedented demand for semiconductor materials like PIMEL™ PSPI. This investment positions Asahi Kasei to capture that growth by enhancing our supply capability and reinforcing our role as a reliable partner to global semiconductor manufacturers. It supports our broader strategy to build long-term value in high-growth, high-impact sectors" [1].

Asahi Kasei's commitment to expanding its PIMEL™ production capacity underscores its dedication to the electronics business, which it has categorized as a "First Priority" driver for future company growth. The company's recent TSMC Excellent Performance Award for "Excellent Technology Collaboration and Production Support in Advanced Packaging" further highlights its significance in the semiconductor industry [1].

The expansion is part of Asahi Kasei's broader strategic plan, "Trailblaze Together," which focuses on carefully selected investments in strategic growth fields to maximize profitability and company value by 2030 and beyond [1].

References:
[1] https://www.morningstar.com/news/business-wire/20250821070831/asahi-kasei-to-double-production-capacity-for-pimel-photosensitive-polyimide-by-2030