Asahi Kasei to Double Production of Semiconductor Coating Material

Japan’s Asahi Kasei is significantly boosting output of a critical electronics material amid surging semiconductor demand. The company will invest ¥16 billion to double the production capacity of its PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) at its Fuji City, Shizuoka plant by 2030 . PSPI is a special polymer coating used as an insulating and protective layer in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Asahi Kasei recently completed a new PSPI plant in late 2024, and the decision to expand further comes as the global semiconductor industry enters a new growth cycle – annual demand for such interlayer materials is projected to rise ~8% per year.

By ramping up capacity, Asahi Kasei aims to strengthen the supply chain for next-generation chips and solidify its position as a key supplier to chipmakers. “The rapid growth of generative AI and other advanced technologies is driving unprecedented demand for materials like PIMEL,” noted Nobuko Uetake, Asahi Kasei’s Senior Executive Officer for electronics, adding that the investment will enhance supply resilience and support the company’s strategy to grow in high-impact sectors. The expanded output will help meet booming needs for PSPI in uses such as semiconductor buffer coatings, passivation layers, and high-density packaging – essential components in cutting-edge AI processors and other devices.