Kolon Life Science to expand PPO production capacity to 5,400 tons

Kolon Life Science has announced plans to expand the annual production capacity of polyphenylene ether (PPO) at its Gimcheon plant in Gyeongsangbuk-do to 5,400 tons. To achieve this, the company will introduce new reactors to convert raw materials into PPO and upgrade existing equipment. The new production lines are scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2027.

PPO is a low-dielectric plastic material essential for artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors and sixth-generation (6G) communication equipment. Its low signal loss and insulation properties make it ideal for high-speed signal transmission in high-temperature environments. PPO serves as the core raw material for modified polyphenylene ether (mPPO), which offers insulation performance three to five times superior to epoxy resin and is a critical component in copper clad laminates (CCL) for printed circuit boards (PCB).

The expansion aims to stabilize the supply of electronic materials within the Kolon Group and meet the rising demand for high-performance electronic products. CEO Lee Hanguk stated that the investment will strengthen the company's production foundation, providing greater flexibility and stability to meet diverse customer needs through differentiated synthesis technology.