N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) is a material with excellent properties that is widely used in petrochemical processes, polymer synthesis, surface treatment, paint strippers, and display manufacturing. Recently, its demand and market growth have been notable, as it is used to dissolve the binder (PVDF) that enhances the adhesion of conductive powder in lithium-ion batteries.
EEP
EEP (Ethyl 3-Ethoxypropionate) is a key material used in the EUV semiconductor manufacturing process, alongside PGMEA. Previously, the entire supply depended on imports from companies like a major U.S. firm (Company D). However, through domestic production for the first time, production facilities were established at the Yeosu and Pyeongtaek plants, resulting in an import substitution effect worth over 80 billion KRW annually. It is used in the photolithography process as the main raw material for thinners, which are crucial in determining semiconductor production yield.
PGMEA
PGMEA (Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether Acetate) is a key material used in the EUV semiconductor manufacturing process. Previously, the entire supply was imported from countries like Japan and Taiwan. However, in 2018, domestic development began, and by 2022, ultra-high purity (9N) was achieved. As a result, it became the first domestically produced material to receive quality approval from clients. This is expected to have an import substitution effect worth over 100 billion KRW annually. ※ Production capacity is currently being expanded, which will further increase the import substitution effect.
Strength in exporting products of affiliated companies that produce cleaning agents used in high-tech industries such as secondary batteries, and connections with local subsidiaries in Europe and the U.S. make local logistics and transaction structures easier.