Xenofocus Signs Catalase Supply Agreement with US Chemical Company

"Entry into the US Semiconductor Water Treatment Market"

Genofocus, a specialized company in industrial customized enzymes, is making its first entry into the U.S. semiconductor water treatment market based on its flagship product, Catalase.

On the 15th, Genofocus announced that it had signed a supply contract for Catalase with Univar Solutions, a global chemical product distribution company.

Univar Solutions is a global company distributing various chemical products and raw materials primarily in the U.S. and Canada. As of 2022, its sales revenue was $11.5 billion (approximately 15 trillion KRW). It possesses the largest distribution network in the U.S. and Canada, with over 70 semiconductor material clients in the North American region.

Through this contract, Genofocus will make a full-scale entry into the U.S. semiconductor water treatment market. It plans to expand its market share of Catalase through close cooperation with Univar Solutions.

Catalase is an eco-friendly enzyme that can decompose hydrogen peroxide used in semiconductor manufacturing processes into water and oxygen. It is a rapidly growing market because it can replace conventional chemical treatment methods, preventing secondary environmental pollution and reducing costs. Currently, the global market is dominated by U.S. DuPont and Genofocus.

A Genofocus representative said, "With the U.S. government implementing the CHIPS Act this year, major global semiconductor companies are expanding their facility investments in the U.S., and demand for Catalase used in semiconductor processes is expected to increase significantly. We will actively target the U.S. market, led by Univar Solutions, which has the largest distribution network in North America, to expand overseas sales."

Genofocus supplies Catalase required for water treatment processes to major semiconductor manufacturers worldwide, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and TSMC. Utilizing core technologies such as protein engineering and high-purity secretory expression technology, the company is expanding its customized industrial enzyme business with flagship products like Catalase and Lactase.