Japanese technology company Asahi Kasei will expand its production capacity for photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) at its Fuji site in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. PSPI is a critical material for the global electronics industry and is primarily used for insulation coatings and passivation layers in semiconductor applications. By doubling production capacity by 2030, Asahi Kasei reaffirms its commitment to expanding its electronics business and strengthening its position as a key supplier to the global semiconductor industry.
The global semiconductor industry is forecast to reach sales of over one trillion US dollars by the mid-2030s , according to a report by consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal. Encouraged by these prospects, Asahi Kasei expects demand for semiconductor insulation films to continue to rise, reaching a compound annual growth rate of 8%. In response to this rapidly increasing demand, Asahi Kasei completed construction of a new photosensitive polyimide (PSPI) manufacturing facility in Fuji City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, in December 2024. The company has decided to double the production capacity of the new facility by 2030. This expansion will significantly improve the supply security of key materials for semiconductor manufacturing. The investment for this production expansion amounts to approximately 16 billion yen.
Asahi Kasei’s PSPI is used worldwide for various semiconductor applications, such as insulation coatings that improve adhesion between different semiconductor materials and serve as protective barriers. These coatings help protect sensitive semiconductor devices from mechanical stress and contamination during post-processing, such as when applying a die to a substrate. PSPI is also used for passivation layers in bumping, which protect the semiconductor surface from damage or oxidation. Furthermore, it is used in redistribution layers (RDL) to optimize electrical connections and enable high-density circuit designs by adjusting lead pitch for package integration. These properties have made the material an indispensable part of the global semiconductor supply chain and a key material for developing the next generation of generative AI.
Nobuko Uetake, Senior Executive Officer of Asahi Kasei and responsible for the company’s electronic materials business, commented: “The rapid growth of generative AI and other advanced technologies is driving unprecedented demand for semiconductor materials such as PSPI. With this investment, we are improving our supply capabilities and strengthening our role as a reliable partner for global semiconductor manufacturers. It supports our broader strategy of creating long-term value in high-growth, high-impact sectors.” Asahi Kasei is positioning its electronics business as one of the key drivers of the company’s future growth. For many years, photosensitive polyimide has been highly valued as a critical component for semiconductor manufacturing. In 2024, Asahi Kasei received the TSMC Excellent Performance Award for ” Excellent Technology Collaboration and Production Support in Advanced Packaging.” “ at the TSMC Supply Chain Management Forum 2024.
