SEKISUI CHEMICAL Achieves Progress in Creating PFAS-Free Pipes for Ultrapure Process Applications in the Manufacturing of Advanced Semiconductors

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 31, 2025--

SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO., LTD. (TOKYO: 4204) (President: Keita Kato; hereinafter “SEKISUI CHEMICAL”) announced that, in response to the global trend of tighter regulations regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and growing demand for reducing environmental impact, the Urban Infrastructure & Environmental Products Company (President: Yoshiyuki Hirai) had been developing a new technology for PFAS-free pipe materials for ultrapure process applications in the manufacturing of advanced semiconductors. As a certain level of progress has been established in the development of this technology, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will start to formally propose it to customers.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250730517861/en/

1. Background

In the semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) industries *, the ultrapure water being used needs to be supplied without lowering its water quality. The types of pipe materials for this purpose include those that use resin materials—hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and fluorocarbon resins (polyvinylidene fluoride or PVDF, polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE, and perfluoroalkoxy or PFA)—as well as those that use metallic materials in the form of metal pipes with special surface treatment. Today’s advanced semiconductor industry, with the progress of ultra-miniaturization, requires pipe materials that can suppress the elution of inorganic and organic matter as far as possible.

* The flat panel display (FPD) industry refers collectively to all industries related to the manufacture of flat panel displays, including liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, and LED displays.

2. PFAS and Its Regulation

PFAS refers to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are difficult to break down in nature and may affect the human body or ecosystems. Among PFAS, the manufacture, import, and such of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) are already prohibited. As of now, PVDF, PTFE, and other materials used in fluorocarbon resin pipes and fittings for ultrapure process applications are not within the scope of regulation in Japan. However, in Europe and the United States, studies are being conducted to comprehensively subject PFAS to regulation. Together with other initiatives, there is a global trend of tighter regulations regarding PFAS.

3. Chronology of Development

As a pioneer of plastic piping materials, SEKISUI CHEMICAL launched “Eslon Clean Pipe”—a hard PVC pipe material for transporting ultrapure water—in 1984. Since then, supported by an impressive track record, the product has been used in a wide range of applications. This time, a special olefin resin pipe material has been developed as a new low-elution material replacing fluorocarbon resins from the perspective of PFAS. In November 2022, a demonstration using an actual ultrapure water manufacturing system was started jointly with Kurita Water Industries Ltd. Compared to existing fluorocarbon resin pipe materials, this special olefin resin pipe material can reduce CO 2 emissions during manufacturing by approximately 80%. Furthermore, in response to the global trend of PFAS regulation, SEKISUI CHEMICAL started working on developing PFAS-free pipes and fittings for ultrapure process applications.

4. Future Prospects

With the establishment of this PFAS-free technology, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will start to formally propose it to customers and will aim for market launch within fiscal 2026. The company will also undertake development toward the early realization of creating valves, gaskets, and other pipe materials that are totally free from PFAS in the area of ultrapure process applications.

SEKISUI CHEMICAL is accelerating the creation and market expansion of products—such as clean pipes—with high contribution to solving issues in the natural and social environments. For the realization of a sustainable society as well as sustainable growth as a company, the Products to Enhance Sustainability System is being promoted Group-wide to achieve ESG management at a higher level.

SEKISUI CHEMICAL will seek to realize a sustainable society by 2030 through creating products that can contribute to solving issues in the natural and social environments when being manufactured as well as when customers use them.

(Reference) Eslon Clean Pipe System catalog
https://eslon-plant.jp/catalog/Catalog-JE_CleanPipeSystem.pdf

(Reference) Corporate profile of Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Company name: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
Address: Nakano Central Park East, 4-10-1 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan
Representative: Hirohiko Ejiri, President and Representative Executive Officer
Paid-in Capital: 13.4 billion yen
Established: July 13, 1949
No. of employees: 8,151 (consolidated)
Website: https://www.kurita-water.com/

Ultrapure water manufacturing system used to conduct the demonstration test at Kurita Innovation Hub; the blue pipes are the pipes under demonstration

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 22, 2026--

At Retail Technology Show (RTS) 2026, SOLUM (KRX: 248070) is introducing Newton Core+ to the UK market as a next-generation ESL platform and a central pillar of its broader “Retail in Sync” showcase. Across the event, SOLUM is demonstrating how connected retail technologies, solutions, and ecosystem collaboration can work together to improve customer experience, optimise operations, unlock data monetization, and support more sustainable store environments.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260422740364/en/

Newton Core+ Launch at the Centre of Product Innovation

Newton Core+ is designed to meet the increasing demands placed on shelf-edge infrastructure in modern retail environments, combining refined design, reinforced durability, and enhanced display clarity to support accurate pricing, reliable promotion execution, and fulfillment-led store operations across large store estates. Newton Core+ has also received the Red Dot Award for Product Design, reinforcing its value not only in design quality but also across function, usability, durability, and responsibility.

Alongside Newton Core+, SOLUM is also showcasing Newton E-Paper 32”, another Red Dot Award-winning product, as well as additional large-format e-paper displays, 4-color Newton Pro Freezer solutions, Power Rail ESL, and a wider digital signage lineup, including bar-type signage and semi-outdoor displays.

Retail in Sync in Action Across the Store

Beyond product innovation, SOLUM is using RTS 2026 to demonstrate what “Retail in Sync” means in practice. It shows how retail technologies can work together to improve execution across the store. In customer experience, SOLUM is showing how personalised product guidance can be integrated with ESL and digital signage to create more connected in-store journeys. In operations, the company is highlighting omnichannel picking and stock management solutions designed to improve task efficiency, reduce walking time, and help store teams act on real-time shelf conditions. In sustainability, SOLUM is presenting solutions aimed at reducing operational waste, including food waste reduction linked to expiry-led pricing and real-time shelf updates. In data monetisation, SOLUM is showcasing Vision AI-based capabilities that help retailers better understand shopper attention, product interaction, and measurable in-store performance.

SOLUM’s RTS showcase also reflects its open ecosystem approach, bringing together partners across fulfilment, smart data capture, food waste reduction, and retail operations to support a more connected model of store execution.

Mark Duckworth, Country Manager UK & Ireland at SOLUM, said, “RTS 2026 is an important opportunity to show how SOLUM is bringing stronger products and more connected solutions to UK retailers. With Newton Core+ at the centre, we are expanding what ESL can deliver at shelf edge while helping retailers improve execution, efficiency and in-store performance through a broader portfolio of integrated technologies.”

SOLUM will exhibit at Retail Technology Show 2026, taking place on 22–23 April at Excel, London. Visitors can meet the SOLUM team at Stand M60.

About SOLUM

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from Samsung Electro-Mechanics, SOLUM is a publicly traded company listed on the KOSPI stock exchange. The company has established itself as a leader in power solutions, display technologies, and electronic shelf labels (ESL), driving innovation across the global retail sector. With a strong commitment to customer-centric innovation and sustainable retail transformation, SOLUM continues to develop high-quality solutions that empower retailers to operate more efficiently in an increasing digital world.

Learn more at www.solum-group.com

SOLUM showcases Newton Core+ at Stand M60 during the Retail Technology Show 2026 in London (Image: SOLUM)