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[Major Breakthrough] Japan Sekisui Chemical Develops Non-PFAS Pipeline Material for Semiconductor Manufacturing

PFAS-free 2025-07-30 14:17:00

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. recently announced that it has made key advancements in achieving PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)-free technology in ultrapure water piping materials for advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The company plans to intensify its promotional efforts towards customers.

In the semiconductor and FPD manufacturing processes, ultrapure water is used, and the piping materials include resin-based rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), fluororesins (PVDF, PTFE, PFA), as well as specially surface-treated metal pipes. As manufacturing technologies advance toward greater miniaturization, in order to prevent contamination by impurities, there is a growing market demand for piping materials that can minimize the leaching of inorganic and organic substances to the greatest extent possible.

PFAS, as a general term for organofluorine compounds, are difficult to decompose in nature, and certain types may pose risks to human health and ecosystems. The production and import of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) have already been banned. Although, as of 2025, fluororesin materials such as PVDF and PTFE, which are used in ultrapure water pipelines and fittings, have not yet been regulated in Japan, regions such as Europe and the United States are advancing comprehensive PFAS regulations. Globally, the regulation of PFAS is becoming increasingly stringent.

Develop PFAS-free special olefin resin pipes

Since 1984, Sekisui Chemical has been selling rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for the transportation of ultrapure water, which are suitable for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Based on the concept of not using PFAS, the company has developed a new special olefin resin piping material with low elution that can replace fluororesin. Compared to traditional fluororesin piping, this material can reduce CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process by approximately 80%. Since November 2022, Sekisui Chemical has been conducting verification tests in collaboration with Kurita Water Industries, using actual ultrapure water manufacturing equipment. The company is also committed to achieving PFAS-free piping and joints for ultrapure water use.

The verification test was conducted using ultrapure water production equipment at the Kurita Innovation Hub.

Figure 1: The blue pipe in the figure is the PFAS-free pipe currently being tested. (Source: Sekisui Chemical)

The proposal for customers is now officially advancing, based on the aforementioned verification results. Sekisui Chemical has confirmed its PFAS-free technology and plans to launch this special olefin resin piping within the fiscal year 2026. The company will also accelerate the development of valves, gaskets, and other piping materials for ultrapure water applications to achieve complete PFAS-free status as soon as possible.

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[Major Breakthrough] Japan Sekisui Chemical Develops Non-PFAS Pipeline Material for Semiconductor Manufacturing

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