Sekisui Chemical Successfully Advances Development of Fluorinated Telechelic Polymer Alternatives for Clean Industrial Piping Systems in High-Tech Semiconductor Production
In a significant move towards sustainability and addressing environmental concerns, SEKISUI CHEMICAL has developed a new PFAS-free pipe material for ultrapure process applications in the semiconductor industry. This innovative technology, based on a special olefin resin, is set to replace traditional fluorocarbon resins such as PVDF, PTFE, and PFA, which contain PFAS components.
The new PFAS-free piping system is designed to meet the stringent purity requirements of ultrapure water systems critical in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. It addresses growing global environmental and regulatory pressures to eliminate PFAS substances due to their persistence and health risks.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL is currently in the process of formalising proposals of this PFAS-free pipe technology to customers and aims for a market launch within fiscal 2026. In addition to pipes, the company is also developing PFAS-free valves, gaskets, and other components to achieve comprehensive PFAS elimination in ultrapure process piping systems.
The semiconductor industry requires piping that minimises elution of inorganic and organic contaminants to maintain water quality in ultrapure process applications. Existing ultrapure water piping comprises resin materials like PVC, polypropylene (PP), and fluorocarbon resins, along with metal pipes with special treatments. Fluorocarbon resins traditionally contain PFAS compounds, which are under increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide.
SEKISUI’s PFAS-free pipes address these concerns by eliminating PFAS while preserving or improving performance suitable for semiconductor process water systems. The innovation also aligns with broader sustainability and environmental goals, including reduction of CO₂ emissions in manufacturing.
As of mid-2025, SEKISUI CHEMICAL's PFAS-free olefin resin-based pipes represent the most advanced and imminent solution poised to replace PFAS-containing pipe materials in ultrapure semiconductor manufacturing processes within the next year.
SEKISUI CHEMICAL is committed to promoting the creation and market expansion of products that address environmental and social issues. This latest development is a testament to their ongoing efforts towards a sustainable society and sustainable growth as a company by 2030.
For more information about SEKISUI CHEMICAL's Urban Infrastructure & Environmental Products Company, Industrial Piping Systems Division, please visit https://eslon-plant.jp/web-en/contact/. The article was published as a press release by Business Wire.
[1] SEKISUI CHEMICAL Corporation, "SEKISUI CHEMICAL Develops New PFAS-Free Pipe Material for Ultrapure Process Applications in the Semiconductor Industry," Business Wire, [date], URL: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220428005109/en/SEKISUI-CHEMICAL-Develops-New-PFAS-Free-Pipe-Material-for-Ultrapure-Process-Applications-in-the-Semiconductor-Industry
[2] "Ultrapure Water Systems for Semiconductor Manufacturing," SEMI, URL: https://www.semi.org/en/ProductsAndServices/ProcessTech/WaterManagement/UltrapureWaterSystems
[3] "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, URL: https://www.epa.gov/pfas
[4] SEKISUI CHEMICAL Corporation, "SEKISUI CHEMICAL Group's 'Products to Enhance Sustainability System' Promotes Group-wide ESG Management," Business Wire, [date], URL: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210513005529/en/SEKISUI-CHEMICAL-Group%E2%80%99s-Products-to-Enhance-Sustainability-System-Promotes-Group-wide-ESG-Management
[5] Kurita Water Industries Ltd., "Company Profile," Kurita Water Industries Ltd., URL: https://www.kurita-water.com/en/company/profile/
- The new PFAS-free pipe material developed by SEKISUI CHEMICAL is expected to contribute significantly to the semiconductor industry, as it aligns with the need for infrastructure that reduces CO₂ emissions in line with environmental science and sustainability efforts.
- As SEKISUI CHEMICAL aims to formally present this PFAS-free pipe technology to customers and plans a market launch within fiscal 2026, they are simultaneously working on developing PFAS-free valves, gaskets, and other components to create a comprehensive PFAS elimination system in ultrapure process piping systems.
- The advancements in PFAS-free piping systems made by SEKISUI CHEMICAL are part of their broader commitment towards promoting products that address environmental and social issues, contributing to a sustainable society and growth as a company by 2030, as outlined in their sustainability goals.
