Asahi Kasei to Double Production Capacity for PIMEL™ Photosensitive Polyimide by 2030

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 26, 2025--

Diversified global manufacturer Asahi Kasei will increase PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) production capacity at its Fuji City facility in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. PSPI is a key material for the global electronics industry, mainly used for buffer coatings and passivation layers in semiconductor applications. By doubling its capacity by 2030, Asahi Kasei underlines its commitment to growing its Electronics business and reinforcing its position as a key supplier for the global semiconductor industry.

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PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide

With the global semiconductor industry entering a new growth cycle and projected to surpass US$1 trillion in revenue by the mid-2030s, as reported by consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal, Asahi Kasei has forecasted that the demand for next-generation semiconductor interlayer insulation will continue to grow rapidly at an average annual growth rate of 8%. In response to this quickly rising demand, Asahi Kasei completed the construction of a new plant producing PIMEL™ photosensitive polyimide in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, in December 2024. Since then, the company has decided to expand production in Fuji City further, doubling the 2024 capacity by 2030. This expansion is expected to significantly improve the supply resilience of essential materials in the manufacturing of semiconductors. Asahi Kasei will invest approximately ¥16 billion in this expansion.

PIMEL™ is used worldwide for various semiconductor applications, such as buffer coatings that improve adhesion between different semiconductor materials and act as protective barriers. These coatings help protect delicate semiconductor devices from mechanical stress and contamination during post-processing steps, such as mounting the chip onto a substrate. PIMEL™ is also used for passivation layers for bumping, which protect the semiconductor surface from damage or oxidation. Additionally, PIMEL™ is used in redistribution layers (RDL), optimizing electrical connections and enabling high-density circuit designs by adjusting terminal spacing for package integration. These attributes have made PIMEL™ an essential part of the global semiconductor supply chain and an enabling material in the development of next-generation generative AI.

Nobuko Uetake, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and key leader in the company’s electronics materials business, commented, “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.”

Asahi Kasei positions its electronics business in the “First Priority” category, one of the key drivers for future company growth. For many years, PIMEL™ has been highly regarded as a key component for producing semiconductors. In 2024, Asahi Kasei received the TSMC Excellent Performance Award for “Excellent Technology Collaboration and Production Support in Advanced Packaging” at TSMC’s 2024 Supply Chain Management Forum.

In April 2025, Asahi Kasei announced its new medium-term management plan, “Trailblaze Together." This plan continues the path of structural transformation and pursues carefully selected investments in strategic growth fields. By doing so, the company aims to maximize profitability and company value by 2030 and beyond.

About Asahi Kasei

The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its foundation in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber business, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 50,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Healthcare, Homes, and Material. For more information, visit www.asahi-kasei.com.

Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.

The PIMEL™ plant to be expanded.

ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Madison Keys lost in the Adelaide International quarterfinals to rising Canadian talent Victoria Mboko on Thursday, less than a week away from the start of her Australian Open title defense.

The 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 loss to Mboko followed last week's quarterfinal loss in the Brisbane International to top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, who she beat at Melbourne Park last year for her first Grand Slam singles title.

Keys was the defending champion at Adelaide.

No. 8-seeded Mboko broke Keys early en route to winning the first set, but couldn’t compete with Keys' big serve in the second. Keys, seeded second at the WTA 500 event, had eight aces in the match, including six in the second set.

Mboko won 75% of her first-serve points in the third set and converted the lone breakpoint available to her. She’ll now face Kimberly Birrell of Australia in the semifinals.

Mboko was named the WTA Newcomer of the Year after winning the National Bank Open in Montreal and raising her ranking from No. 333 at the start of the season to No. 18.

The Australian Open begins on Sunday. Keys has been drawn to face Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine in the first round of the year's first major. Mboko will open against Emerson Jones of Australia.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Victoria Mboko,right, and Cleeve Harper of Canada compete against Elise Mertens and Zizou Bergs of Belgium in their doubles match at the United Cup tennis tournament in Sydney, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)