Tag: Chemicals

Showa Denko Concludes MOU with SK Inc. to Give Consideration to a Plan to Cooperatively Produce High-Purity Gases for Semiconductors in North America

TOKYO, Jun 29, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – On June 29, 2022, Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) and SK Incorporated concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to give consideration to a plan to start cooperative work to produce high-purity gases, which are used in semiconductor production processes, in North America.

While semiconductor markets in various countries continue growing and geopolitical risks are increasing, the US Government has embarked on strengthening domestic semiconductor industry and inviting supply chain of semiconductors into the country. As a result of this movement, large manufacturers of semiconductors are increasing their capital investment in the United States, and the demand for materials for semiconductors in the country is growing. Supply-demand balance of high-purity gases for wiring process (front-end of semiconductor production process) in the US has been tightening. Therefore, many semiconductor manufacturers in the US want to secure stable supply of high-purity gases for semiconductors. On the other hand, SDK's business segment to produce high purity gases for semiconductors has established and continues strengthening high-purity gas supply chain in which the Company producing high-purity gases and filling it into cylinders in its Asian facilities, and transporting those cylinders to the US. Therefore, there are some problems to be solved including increases in transportation costs and potential instability in supply of high-purity gases when there is congestion in global logistics network.

To cope with these problems, SDK and SK Materials, which is an in-house independent company of SK Incorporated and produces high-purity gases for semiconductors, will start to give consideration to a plan to cooperatively produce high-purity gases for semiconductors in North America. In the global market for high-purity gases for semiconductors, SDK has the top share of the etching gas*1 market, and SK Materials has the top share of the cleaning gas*2 market and deposition gas*3 market. Thus, the two leading companies in the high-purity gas industry are now aiming to expand their business in the US cooperatively.

In 2017, SDK and SK Materials established a joint corporation named SK Showa Denko, Co., Ltd. which produces and sells high-purity gases for semiconductors, and, in the Republic of Korea, they cooperatively produce CH3F, which is used mainly as etching gas for silicon nitride film. Now SK Showa Denko is constructing a new plant to produce HBr in the Republic of Korea, and the new plant is expected to be finished in July, 2022.

As a "Co-creative Chemical Company," the Sowa Denko Group has positioned its electronics business including the business to produce and sell high-purity gases for semiconductors as Core-growth Business, and has been focusing on this electronics business, aiming to contribute to sustainable development of the global society. The Showa Denko Group will continue making its electronics business grow by responding rapidly to the growth of semiconductor market and continuing supply of leading-edge products.

*1. Etching gas is used in etching process, which is a process to carve fine grooves and holes on the surface of wafers in order to make up electronic circuits, etc.
*2. Cleaning gas is used to clean up inside of semiconductor chip production equipment.
*3. Deposition gas forms silicon oxide film or silicon nitride film on the surface of wafers.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

SDK and Microwave Chemical Start Joint Development of New Microwave-based Chemical Recycling Technology to Directly Transform Used Plastic into Basic Chemical Feedstock

TOKYO, Jun 28, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko (SDK) (Tokyo: 4004) and Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (Microwave Chemical) have started joint development of a new microwave-based chemical recycling technology to directly transform used plastic into basic chemical feedstock. The two companies are implementing various steps to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and aim to commercialize the new technology soon.
Chart 1: Comparison of microwave and conventional methods

Chart 2: Showa Denko's Chemical Recycling Business


SDK and Microwave Chemical will aim to develop a technology that decomposes used plastic containers and packaging by irradiating microwave, thereby producing basic chemical feedstock such as ethylene and propylene. By the end of this year, the two companies will study conditions for formation of product through microwave heating, search for catalysts to improve the yield of targeted components, and try to optimize conditions and processes for decomposition to establish basic technology.

In the joint technology development, the two companies will use microwave heating, a kind of electric heating used also in a microwave oven. When an object is irradiated, microwave directly affects dielectric material, resulting in internal heating, selective heating and rapid rise in temperature. Compared with other heating methods, microwave heating is special in that it heats only the object. In the planned process, we will use microwave absorber (filler) to give energy in a focused way to used plastic, enabling efficient decomposition of used plastic into basic chemical feedstock. It will also reduce energy consumption for decomposition compared with conventional methods. (Chart 1) Taking advantage of such characteristics of microwave heating, we will aim to transform used plastic directly into basic chemical feedstock with low energy consumption and high efficiency.

SDK has been engaged in chemical recycling operations since 2003 at its Kawasaki Plant, producing clean hydrogen and ammonia through thermal decomposition of used plastic. As a result, SDK has accumulated overall know-how concerning procurement of raw materials, decomposition, and manufacture of final product. (Chart 2) With its high-level technologies and deep expertise in process development, Microwave Chemical has the capability to scale up microwave technologies. In the area of chemical recycling, the company has established "PlaWave(TM)," a platform of microwave-based plastic decomposition technology, thereby dealing with various types of plastic.

SDK and Microwave Chemical will work together to contribute toward achieving resource saving, resource circulation and a carbon-neutral society through this joint development.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

For further information, contact:
Showa Denko K.K.
Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department
Phone: 81-3-5470-3235

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
Public Relations (Okunaka)
Phone: 81-6-6170-7595
Email: pr@mwcc.jp

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Azelis inaugurates state-of-the-art Regional Innovation Center for Food & Nutrition in Singapore

SINGAPORE, Jun 1, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Azelis, a leading innovation service provider in the specialty chemicals and food ingredients industry, announces the opening of its Regional Innovation Center (RIC) for Food & Nutrition (F&N) in Singapore, further demonstrating the Group's commitment to continuously invest in its innovation capabilities.


The RIC will generate a wealth of possibilities for food innovation towards healthier and tastier solutions through pioneering, ready-to-use formulations with advanced, sustainable ingredients. Functioning as an innovation catalyst for the F&N ecosystem in Asia Pacific, the RIC is an essential milestone in Azelis' growth strategy, strengthening the Group's position as a leading provider of innovative solutions.

In addition to the RIC, Azelis' five F&N application laboratories across Asia Pacific form a regional innovation network that brings together the technical expertise and formulation capabilities of the local and regional teams for greater synergy. This setup allows Azelis to serve the F&N market more efficiently, realize advanced ingredient synergies and develop ground-breaking formulations and sustainable solutions that will be cascaded across the region.

Vikash Raj, Asia Pacific Innovation Director, remarks: "The RIC allows us to support our customers in their projects by developing innovative solutions for all stages of the formulation process from concept to final product, across industry applications in Bakery, Beverage, Confectionery, Dairy and Savory. Focusing on innovation in new products and applications is our objective, and thanks to our comprehensive lateral value chain, we have access to sustainable building blocks for food and beverage formulations. Our vision for the RIC is to positively impact our sustainability, health, and wellness ambitions by creating pioneering formulations that address nutrition and health challenges and bring healthy solutions to the mainstream market."

Laurent Nataf, CEO & President Asia Pacific, comments: "With more than 20 laboratories in the region covering our key market segments, we have significantly invested in our innovation capabilities across Asia Pacific to ensure we deliver on our brand promise, 'Innovation through formulation'. Our regional innovation network builds on our formulation expertise and technical capabilities by encouraging greater collaboration across our teams to strengthen cross-country synergies, increase efficiency, and ensure consistent formulation success for our customers. We look forward to further strengthening our partnerships with our customers and principals by allowing them to leverage the strength of our ever-growing innovation network capabilities, remaining their innovation partner of choice."

To find out more, watch a video introducing the Regional Innovation Center in Singapore. https://youtu.be/RDJ4OhQcDh8

Contact information
Azelis
Lillian Ying
Asia Pacific Corporate Communications Manager
T: +65 9855 8818
E: lillian.ying@azelis.com

About Azelis

Azelis is a leading global innovation service provider in the specialty chemical and food ingredients industry present in over 50 countries across the globe with over 3,000 employees. Our knowledgeable teams of industry, market and technical experts are each dedicated to a specific market within Life Sciences and Industrial Chemicals. We offer a lateral value chain of complementary products to more than 51,000 customers, supported by ~2,300 principal relationships, creating a turnover of EUR2.8 billion (2021). Azelis Group NV is listed on Euronext Brussels under ticker AZE.

Across our extensive network of more than 60 application laboratories, our award-winning staff help develop formulations and provide technical guidance throughout the customers' product development process. We combine a global market reach with a local footprint to offer a reliable, integrated and unique digital service to local customers and attractive business opportunities to principals. EcoVadis Platinum rated, Azelis is a leader in sustainability. We believe in building and nurturing solid, honest and transparent relationships with our people and partners.

Impact through ideas. Innovation through formulation.

http://www.azelis.com/

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko Starts Shipment of Newly Developed HD Media for Record-breaking 26TB Near-line HDD

TOKYO, May 26, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko K.K. (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) has started shipment of newly developed 3.5-inch hard disk media (HD media) to be used in 26 terabyte (TB) hard disk drive (HDD), which has the largest storage capacity the HDD industry has ever produced(1).

The new HD media support energy-assisted magnetic recording(2) and shingled magnetic recording(3)(SMR). This time, by introducing Showa Denko Group's latest magnetic layer design and technology to produce fine crystals of magnetic substance on the surface of aluminum platter, we successfully developed HD media which have storage capacity of 2.6TB per platter, the largest one in the industry. Thus, the new HD media have pioneered the age of HD media having recording density of 1TB/in2 or higher, and we successfully combined technology to produce fine crystals of magnetic substance with technology to improve rewrite-cycle endurance on the surface of HD media, while maintaining compatibility with shingled magnetic recording (SMR). We will accelerate development of new HD media further, and aim to realize near-line HDD having storage capacity of more than 30TB by the end of 2023.

Due to the spread of cloud-computing service and increase in video content, data centers need HDDs with larger storage capacity. In the field of HD media, which are key part of HDDs and affect their storage capacities, the Showa Denko Group has been putting topflight products in the world onto the market before others. As the largest independent HD media supplier, the Showa Denko Group will continue contributing to the increases in storage capacities of HDDs in accordance with its motto of "Best in Class," thereby supporting expansion of data economy.

*1: As of May 9, 2022
*2: Energy-assisted magnetic recording is a technology to record data on the surface of HD media with density higher than those achieved through conventional recording technologies, by pouring energy into magnetic substances which have high coercivity and assisting reversal of magnetization.
*3: Shingled magnetic recording is a technology to record data on the surface of HD media with high density by piling up a part of magnetic layers one another like singles.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko Announces Record Date for Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting

TOKYO, May 26, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko (SDK) (Tokyo: 4004) decided at its Board of Directors' meeting today to prescribe a record date for an extraordinary general shareholders' meeting scheduled for September 29, 2022 in accordance with Article 124 of the Companies Act (hereinafter "Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting"), as follows:

1. Record Date to be prescribed for convocation of Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting

1) Record Date: June 30, 2022 (Thursday)

2) Date of public notice concerning prescription of Record Date: June 15, 2022 (Wednesday)

3) Method of public notice: An electronic public notice will be given on SDK's website at: https://www.sdk.co.jp/

4) Persons entitled to exercise rights as of Record Date and content of the rights:
The shareholders that have been entered or recorded in the final shareholder register as of the Record Date will be entitled to exercise their voting rights at Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting to be held in September 2022.

2. Convocation of Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting and matters to be referred

Date and hour of Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting, matters to be referred, etc. will be decided at a Board of Directors' meeting in August 2022. Announcement will be made as soon as the decisions are made.

3. Background of Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting

As announced in our news release of March 9, 2022 entitled "Showa Denko Group Starts to Consider Transformation into Holding Company Structure," SDK is considering ways to transform itself into a holding company structure. Specifically, we are considering a company split in which Showa Denko Materials Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "SDMC") will succeed to entire businesses of SDK. SDMC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of HC Holdings K.K. (hereinafter "HCHD"), in which SDK holds 100% of voting rights.

Furthermore, we are considering a merger between HCHD and SDMC, as well as a company split in which SDK succeeds to part of SDMC's assets and liabilities.

Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting will be convened to discuss relevant amendments to Articles of Incorporation. Details will be announced later as soon as they are finalized.

4. Schedules

– June 30 2022 – Record Date for Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting concerning transformation into a holding company structure
– August 2022 (planned) – Board of Directors' meeting concerning the transformation
– September 2022 (planned) – Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting concerning the transformation
– January 2023 (planned) – Implementation of the transformation

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko to Consider Simplified Absorption-type Company Split

TOKYO, May 26, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko (SDK) (Tokyo: 4004) decided at its Board of Directors' meeting today to consider and prepare for a company split concerning its graphite electrode business.

Under the plan, Shinshu Showa K.K., a consolidated subsidiary of SDK located in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, will succeed to SDK's graphite electrode business in or around January 2023. This company split will be subject to relevant authorities' approval. Details will be announced later as soon as they are decided.

1. Background and objectives

SDK's graphite electrode business is conducted through a virtual global-scale controlling organization as well as a regional control system involving North/South America, Europe/Middle East/Africa, and Asia. Each regional unit assumes responsibility for earnings. Furthermore, SDK is working to establish common ground for global operations.

Shinshu Showa is an important subsidiary playing a central role in our graphite electrode manufacturing. Through the company split and use of common ground for global operations, Shinshu Showa will serve as a globalized controlling company. This will enable us to increase the speed of decision-making, stabilize, optimize, and further strengthen our graphite electrode business.

2. Method of company split

SDK will be the Company Splitting, and Shinshu Showa will be the Company Succeeding, in the Absorption-type Split. This company split, to take place between SDK and its wholly-owned subsidiary, will fall into the category of Simplified Absorption-type Company Split prescribed in Article 784, paragraph (2), of the Companies Act. Thus, this company split will not be referred to SDK's general meeting of shareholders. Details will be announced later as soon as they are decided.

3. Schedules

– August 2022 (planned) Board of Directors' resolution on the company split; conclusion of an Absorption-type Company Split Agreement
– January 2023 (planned) Implementation of the company split

4. Influence on business results

Since this company split will take place between SDK and its wholly-owned subsidiary, the influence on SDK's consolidated business results will be minimal.

5. Others

Details of this company split, situations after the split, and future prospect will be announced as soon as they are decided.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Machine learning speeds up search for new sustainable materials

TSUKUBA, Japan, May 25, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers from Konica Minolta and the Nara Institute of Science and Technology in Japan have developed a machine learning method to identify sustainable alternatives for composite materials. Their findings were published in the journal Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods.
Researchers are looking for sustainable options, such as recyclable materials or biomass, to substitute the constituent materials in composites which are used in various applications including electrical and information technologies.


Composite materials are compounds made of two or more constituent materials. Due to the complex nature of the interactions between the different components, their performance can greatly exceed that of single materials. Composite materials, such as fibre-reinforced plastics, are very important for a wide range of industries and applications, including electrical and information technologies.

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for more environmentally sustainable materials that help reduce industrial waste and plastic use. One way to achieve this is to substitute the constituent materials in composites with recyclable materials or biomass. However, this can reduce performance compared to the original material, not only due to the features of the individual constituent materials, such as their physicochemical properties, but also due to the interactions between the constituents.

"Finding a new composite material that achieves the same performance as the original using human experience and intuition alone takes a very long time because you have to evaluate countless materials while also taking into account the interactions between them," explains Michihiro Okuyama, assistant manager at Konica Minolta, Inc.

Machine learning offers a potential solution to this problem. Scientists have proposed several machine learning methods to conduct rapid searches among a large number of materials, based on the relationship between the materials' features and performance. However, in many cases the properties of the constituent materials are unknown, making these types of predictive searches difficult.

To overcome this limitation, the researchers developed a new type of machine learning method for finding alternative materials. A key advantage of the new method is that it can quantitatively evaluate the interactions among the component materials to reveal how much they contribute to the overall performance of the composite. The method then searches for replacement constituents with similar performance to the original material.

The researchers tested their method by searching for alternative constituent materials for a composite consisting of three materials – resin, a filler and an additive. They experimentally evaluated the performance of the substitute materials identified by machine learning and found that they were similar to the original material, proving that the model works.

"In developing alternatives, that make up composite materials, our new machine learning method removes the need to test large numbers of candidates by trial and error, saving both time and money." says Okuyama.

The method could be used to quickly and efficiently identify sustainable substitutes for composite materials, reducing plastic use and encouraging the use of biomass or renewable materials.

Further information
Michihiro Okuyama
KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
Email: michihiro.okuyama@konicaminolta.com

About Science and Technology of Advanced Materials: Methods (STAM Methods)

STAM Methods is an open access sister journal of Science and Technology of Advanced Materials (STAM), and focuses on emergent methods and tools for improving and/or accelerating materials developments, such as methodology, apparatus, instrumentation, modeling, high-through put data collection, materials/process informatics, databases, and programming. https://www.tandfonline.com/STAM-M

Dr. Masanobu Naito
STAM Methods Publishing Director
Email: NAITO.Masanobu@nims.go.jp

Press release distributed by Asia Research News for Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko’s Program to Develop 8-inch SiC Wafers for Next-generation Green Power Semiconductor Selected for NEDO’s Green Innovation Fund Projects

TOKYO, May 24, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) proposed its "Project to Develop SiC Wafers Technology for Next-generation Green Power Semiconductors(1)" (hereinafter "the Project") to New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) as a candidate for "Projects to Develop Wafers Technology for Next-generation Power Semiconductors" which was set as a research and development target of "Next-generation Digital Infrastructure Construction(2)" in "Green Innovation Fund Projects" (hereinafter GI Fund Projects). And the Project has been selected for GI Fund Projects by NEDO.

In October 2020, the Japanese Government declared that it aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Aiming to significantly accelerate efforts toward structural changes in the energy and industrial sectors and undertake bold investment for innovation, which are necessary for achievement of the above national target, Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry (METI) decided in October 2020 to develop a Green Innovation Fund at the level of 2 trillion yen as part of the NEDO. The plan of GI Fund Projects, which are based on the specific goals shared by public and private sectors, is to continuously support companies and other organizations, which show their commitment to challenge such ambitious goals as their business issues ranging from research and development (R&D) to demonstrations to social implementation of the outcomes.

SDK's business to manufacture SiC epitaxial wafers for power semiconductors (hereinafter SiC epi-wafers) has conducted business transactions with leading power semiconductor manufacturers inside and outside Japan, and has the global-top share in the SiC epi-wafers market(3). In the Project, SDK plans to make the most of its resources including intelligent property portfolio and development know-how, develop SiC epi-wafers with a diameter of 8 inches, and reduce density of deficiencies by one digit or more, thereby reducing production cost of next-generation power semiconductors. This time, NEDO highly appreciated SDK's aggressive proposal and its SiC epi-wafers business's good performance. As a result, NEDO selected SDK's proposal for GI Fund Projects. The Project's implementation period will be 9 years, from fiscal 2022 to fiscal 2030. In the Project, SDK will develop technology to accelerate growth rate of SiC bulk single crystal in cooperation with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST).

The Showa Denko Group aims to be a "Co-Creative Chemical Company" and contribute to the sustainable development of global society. Under this vision, SDK positions its operation to produce SiC epitaxial wafers, which contributes to efficient use of energy, as a next-generation business, and will allocate much of our business resources. The Group will continue contributing to the spread of SiC power semiconductors by maintaining "Best in Class" as its motto and continuing provision of high-performance and highly-reliable products.

*1. Next-generation green power semiconductors are power semiconductors used in xEVs, power equipment for renewable energies, power modules for servers, etc., made from next-generation materials including SiC.
*2. URL for Projects to Next-generation Digital Infrastructure Construction is https://tinyurl.com/green-innovation-nedo
*3. SDK has the global-top share in the market as an independent supplier of SiC epitaxial wafers.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko Announces 2022 First Quarter Financial Results

TOKYO, May 11, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004) today announced its 2022 first quarter financial results.

– 2022 First Quarter Consolidated Financial Statements and summary
https://www.sdk.co.jp/assets/files/english/ir/library/fss2022-1q.pdf

The Company also issued the following supporting release:

– 2022 First Quarter Financial Results: Presentation Material
https://www.sdk.co.jp/assets/files/english/ir/library/pdf_presentation/results2022-1q.pdf

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com

Showa Denko Decides to Raise Chloroprene Rubber Price

TOKYO, Apr 27, 2022 – (ACN Newswire) – Showa Denko (SDK) (TOKYO: 4004) has decided to raise prices of its chloroprene rubber (a kind of synthetic resin marketed under trade name of Showa Denko Chloroprene) by JPY60/kg or more, which is equivalent to US$470/m.t or more for US-dollar-based transactions and EUR440/m.t. or more for euro-based transactions. The new prices will be effective from May 16, 2022 on shipping date basis.

Showa Denko Chloroprene has the advantage of being highly efficient at oil resistance, thermal resistance, weather resistance, and incombustibility. Showa Denko Chloroprene's fluid latex products are used for various purposes including medical instruments, adhesives, and waterproofing agents, and its solid dry-tip products are used as parts for automobiles, civil engineering, construction, and other industrial use.

Business environment of Showa Denko Chloroprene remains severe due to a substantial rise in prices of raw materials and electricity charges caused by surging fuel prices. SDK has been making effort to reduce production costs of chloroprene through streamlining of production process. This time, however, we concluded that the Company is under the necessity to raise prices of chloroprene in order to ensure stable supply of our products, and decided to ask our customers to share in a rise in cost of chloroprene rubber. We appreciate our customers understanding on this matter in advance.

About Showa Denko K.K.

Showa Denko K.K. (SDK; TSE:4004, ADR:SHWDY) is a major manufacturer of chemical products serving from heavy industry to computers and electronics. The Petrochemicals Sector provides cracker products such as ethylene and propylene, the Chemicals Sector provides industrial, high-performance and high-purity gases and chemicals for semicon and other industries, the Inorganics Sector provides ceramic products, such as alumina, abrasives, refractory/graphite electrodes and fine carbon products. The Aluminum Sector provides aluminum materials and high-value-added fabricated aluminum, the Electronics Sector provides HD media, compound semiconductors such as ultra high bright LEDs, and rare earth magnetic alloys, and the Advanced Battery Materials Department (ABM) provides lithium-ion battery components. For more information, please visit www.sdk.co.jp/english/.

Media contact:
Showa Denko K.K., Public Relations Group, Brand Communication Department, Tel: 81-3-5470-3235

Copyright 2022 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. http://www.acnnewswire.com