Bifemetstrobin is a novel fungicide active ingredient discovered by Sumitomo Chemical. It is classified as a quinone outside inhibitor (QoI)*, with a mode of action that inhibits the energy production process in pathogenic fungi.

Based on internal and external evaluations carried out to date, it has been confirmed that bifemetstrobin demonstrates high efficacy against strains resistant to existing QoIs. This includes soybean rust, which is prevalent in Brazil and other regions. It is expected to serve as a new tool for managing fungicide resistance, as well as contribute to crop protection and yield security for farmers.

The Company anticipates launching products containing bifemetstrobin in 2030 or later, following regulatory approval. It also plans to proceed with the development of these products in other countries as well.

Sumitomo Chemical is committed to the continued development of innovative crop protection products, with the aim of reducing environmental impact, advancing sustainable agriculture, and contributing to stable food supplies for people around the world.

*A classification of mode of action that aims to reduce the risk of pathogen resistance and stabilize the efficacy of fungicides. It was established by the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee, an international industry organization composed of global agrochemical manufacturers.

In recent years, driven by the growing adoption of generative AI, expanding data center investments, and rising demand for high-performance computing, semiconductors have been required to achieve even greater integration and lower power consumption. As a result, semiconductor package substrates are also needed in order to support further increases in size and density. This has led to glass core substrates garnering attention as a technology that supports next-generation semiconductor packages.

Glass core substrates are next-generation semiconductor package substrates with features such as excellent rigidity, dimensional stability, low warpage, and low thermal expansion, which contribute to larger package sizes, improved reliability, and higher-density wiring. In particular, AI-related semiconductors are expected to see even greater package enlargement and higher density going forward, and glass core substrates, which are a promising option well suited to these requirements, are expected to experience a full-scale market launch.

Dongwoo Fine-Chem has long cultivated glass handling technologies through the manufacturing of products using thin glass, operational know-how for automated equipment compatible with large-area glass substrates, and high-quality production technologies that meticulously control cleanliness and process management. By leveraging these process improvement capabilities, its analysis and evaluation infrastructure, existing facilities, and human resources it has cultivated up until now, Dongwoo Fine-Chem will be able to provide integrated support from the development and ramp-up of glass core substrates to their mass production.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is a global leader that has long operated in the fields of advanced semiconductor package substrates and electronic components, and it specializes in substrate design and manufacturing technologies for high-layer-count, high-density wiring, and large packages. Samsung Electro-Mechanics possesses quality and reliability capabilities developed in high-performance fields such as AI servers, customer service cultivated through transactions with advanced semiconductor manufacturers, and commercialization expertise, including mass-production launches. It has also been working on the development and practical application of glass core substrate technology from an early stage.

The New Company will be established as a business for glass core substrates for advanced semiconductor packages, and will bring together the technologies and expertise of both companies. It is scheduled to establish a supply system by the second half of fiscal 2027. Following this, the New Company will gradually expand supply capacity and grow the glass core substrate business.

The Sumitomo Chemical Group positions ICT-related fields as one of its growth drivers and is working to expand its semiconductor materials business. So far, the Group has expanded its semiconductor front-end materials business, mainly centered on photoresists and semiconductor chemicals, to meet the growing demand for advanced semiconductors. In addition, for back-end businesses such as package materials, substrate materials, and next-generation process materials, the Group is steadily advancing development, launch, and sales growth by making the fullest use of its core technologies. Through the establishment of this joint venture, the Group will further strengthen its business foundation in the next-generation semiconductor package field. Through doing so, it will contribute to the development of the semiconductor industry and the achievement of a smart society by providing high-quality products and technologies.

Overview of the New Company (planned)

(Reference) Overview of the two companies investing in the New Company

Dongwoo Fine-Chem Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.

Rapidicil^TM is a proprietary novel herbicide active ingredient developed by Sumitomo Chemical. The Company has positioned Rapidicil^TM as a compound that has the greatest market potential among its “A2020” pipeline products, new crop protection products under development for which the Company plans to begin the application for registration in the first half of the 2020s. Rapidicil^TM is a type of herbicide that is known as a PPO inhibitor^*1, and compared to existing PPO inhibitors, it acts faster and is effective against a wider range of broadleaf and grass weeds. In addition, Rapidicil^TM can be used in low doses, while it is also particularly suitable for no-till farming^*2, which is garnering global attention as a regenerative agricultural practice. Accordingly, it is expected to contribute to soil conservation and carbon neutrality by reducing of carbon dioxide emissions.

The United States has the world’s second largest^*3 crop protection products market after Brazil, accounting for about 15% of the global market, and demand in the country is expected to continue to grow. Going forward, after obtaining state registration, Sumitomo Chemical plans to begin the sale of Rapidicil^TM-based products in the country through its U.S. subsidiary, Valent U.S.A., in the second half of fiscal 2026. The Company is also working to register Rapidicil^TM in Brazil, the world’s largest crop protection products market, as well as Canada, further advancing global expansion. In addition, under a global collaboration with Bayer AG, Sumitomo Chemical will strive to provide agricultural producers with a next-generation weed control system^*4 combined with the PPO-inhibitor tolerant crops currently being developed by Bayer.

Sumitomo Chemical aims to achieve annual revenue of 100 billion yen from the sale of herbicides for no-till farming, including Rapidicil^TM.

Sumitomo Chemical will continue to develop innovative crop protection products to help reduce environmental impact, advance sustainable agriculture, and contribute to stable food supplies for people around the world.

*1  A herbicide that has the function of inhibiting the activity of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO), an enzyme involved in chloroplast biogenesis.
*2   A practice of planting crops without tilling the soil before sowing, leaving dead leaves and cut stalks of the crop on the farmland. In addition to being able to mitigate soil erosion due to wind and rain, it is considered to have the effect of increasing the number of organisms and microorganisms in the soil.
*3    Source: The Crop Protection Industry Report, November 2025, by AgbioCrop.
*4    A new weed control system following glyphosate, dicamba, and other existing herbicides.

Reference

News release
“Sumitomo Chemical Submits Registration Applications for New Rapidicil^TM HerbicideA Potential Blockbuster Product Contributing to Sustainable Agriculture”, April 26, 2022

News release
"Sumitomo Chemical Obtains Registration for New Herbicide Rapidicil^TM in Argentina and Launches Efforts to Turn the Herbicide into a Blockbuster Product That Contributes to Regenerative Agriculture", July 25, 2024