SEKISUI CHEMICAL announced a significant development in sustainable pipe materials. The company’s Urban Infrastructure & Environmental Products division, under President Yoshiyuki Hirai, has been working on new PFAS-free pipe technology. This innovation aims to meet the increasing global demand to reduce environmental impact caused by PFAS substances.
As progress has been made, SEKISUI CHEMICAL will now begin formally proposing this technology to customers. The goal is to introduce PFAS-free pipes for ultrapure process applications in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This step aligns with tightening regulations and growing concerns over PFAS’s environmental and health impacts.
In the semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) industries, ultrapure water must be supplied without contaminating it. Pipe materials, including resin-based options like PVC, polypropylene, and fluorocarbon resins such as PVDF, PTFE, and PFA, are used for this purpose.
Metal pipes with special surface treatments are also common. As industry miniaturization advances, selecting pipe materials that minimize the elution of inorganic and organic matter becomes increasingly critical.
PFAS—perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances—are known for their resistance to natural breakdown and potential health risks. Manufacturing and importing PFOA and PFOS are already prohibited. Currently, materials like PVDF and PTFE are not regulated in Japan but face potential restrictions in Europe and the U.S., reflecting a global trend toward tighter PFAS regulations.
Looking ahead, SEKISUI CHEMICAL plans to propose this PFAS-free technology to customers and aims for market launch within fiscal 2026. Development of PFAS-free valves, gaskets, and other pipe components is also underway. The company is committed to expanding products that contribute to solving environmental issues and promoting sustainability.
By 2030, SEKISUI CHEMICAL aspires to help create a sustainable society through innovative products. The company’s ESG initiatives focus on achieving higher standards of social and environmental responsibility, contributing to a healthier planet and society.
