South Korean company Chemtronics is making a significant entry into the semiconductor glass substrate and wafer recycling market, leveraging its recent acquisition of J3 to create synergies in the semiconductor sector. The company plans to accelerate its development of next-generation technologies through this collaboration.

On the 12th, Chemtronics announced that it would enhance its competitiveness in the semiconductor glass substrate market by utilizing J3's advanced processing technologies. Glass substrates, which are thinner and smoother than traditional plastic substrates, are gaining attention as semiconductor materials for AI and high-performance computing due to their ease of micro-circuit implementation and resistance to warping. Major industry players, including Samsung, SK, and LG, along with other semiconductor materials, components, and equipment companies, are actively pursuing the commercialization of glass substrates.

A critical process in manufacturing glass substrates is the Through Glass Via (TGV) process, which involves creating small holes in the glass with a laser and etching them chemically. Chemtronics, with its extensive etching expertise in the display sector, is collaborating with major domestic companies to commercialize glass substrates. By combining J3's precision Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) technology, Chemtronics aims to produce more uniform and smooth substrate surfaces, thus enhancing its competitiveness in the market.

Kim Eung-Soo, CEO of Chemtronics, emphasized that the collaboration with J3 will accelerate the commercialization of glass substrates. "We will provide differentiated solutions by merging our high-purity chemical materials and TGV technologies with J3's CMP technology," Kim stated.

In addition to advancing glass substrate technology, Chemtronics is also focusing on improving semiconductor process efficiency and maximizing resource recycling through J3's wafer recycling capabilities. Wafer recycling, which restores defective wafers from the semiconductor manufacturing process using physical and chemical methods, is becoming increasingly important. J3 has recently developed new technologies that significantly improve the recycling rate, especially for copper-plated wafers, which are notoriously difficult to recycle.

Kim further noted, "This new technology development will enhance the sustainability of semiconductor manufacturing processes and contribute to our environmental responsibility, offering a cost-effective and resource-efficient solution."

J3, which Chemtronics acquired through its subsidiary Rigenix, supplies essential recycled wafers for semiconductor manufacturing processes, including test wafers, and counts Samsung and SK Hynix's first-tier partners as its primary customers.

Chemtronics is also exploring the expansion of its production lines for glass substrates by utilizing J3's factory site in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, which spans approximately 2,000 pyeong. A company representative highlighted the synergies expected from the location, as J3's factory is approved for the use of hydrofluoric acid, making it ideal for strengthening Chemtronics's semiconductor materials business.

Founded in 1983, Chemtronics is a mid-sized company in the electronics and chemicals sectors. With annual sales of approximately 5 trillion KRW, the company has recently expanded its business into semiconductors, aiming to secure new growth drivers. The entry into the glass substrate and wafer recycling business marks a significant step in enhancing its position in the semiconductor industry, and the market will be closely watching how quickly Chemtronics can scale its operations in this growing sector.