Qnity and SK hynix Sign Long-Term CMP Pad Supply Agreement

Rhea-AI Summary

Qnity (DD) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 7, 2025 to establish a long-term supply agreement with SK hynix for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing pads used in next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and mass production.

The agreement continues a longstanding collaboration supporting SK hynix's memory business. Qnity, which is planned to separate from DuPont on Nov. 1, 2025, recently launched the Emblem™ CMP pad platform targeting AI and advanced computing chip needs.

Insights

CMP supply-chain strategist

Long-term MOU to supply CMP pads to SK hynix strengthens commercial ties and supports next-generation memory production.

Qnity and SK hynix signed a strategic long-term memorandum of understanding for supply of chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) polishing pads, formalized at a ceremony on Oct. 7, 2025 and announced on Oct. 16, 2025. The agreement explicitly covers pads for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and mass production, continuing a longstanding collaboration and aligning with Qnity's recent product launches such as the Emblem™ CMP pad platform.

The business mechanism is straightforward: Qnity supplies specialized CMP pads that are critical to planarization steps in memory wafer fabrication. Reliance on a named supplier reduces procurement friction for SK hynix and creates recurring demand for Qnity's pad portfolio. Key dependencies include successful scale-up to meet mass production volumes and the formal execution of the long-term supply terms beyond the MOU stage.

Risks center on the MOU nature of the announcement and the pending corporate separation: Qnity is intended to separate from DuPont on Nov. 1, 2025, and the MOU does not disclose binding commercial terms, volumes, or timing. Watch for the finalized supply contract, specified volume commitments, and any post-separation customer confirmations within the next 3–12 months to assess revenue visibility and operational impact.

Strategic Collaboration to Support Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing with High-Performance Materials

WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Qnity, DuPont's Electronics business, a premier technology solutions leader across the semiconductor value chain, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SK hynix, establishing a strategic long-term agreement for the supply of polishing pads for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) in semiconductor fabrication.

The agreement supports SK hynix's ongoing needs for advanced CMP pads, used for their next-generation semiconductor manufacturing and mass production processes. It reflects the continuation of a longstanding collaboration in enabling CMP materials for SK hynix's growing memory business.

"This agreement reflects our shared commitment to enabling advancements in the semiconductor and electronics industries through collaboration," said Sanjay Kotha, Global Business Director, CMP Technologies, Qnity™, DuPont Electronics. "We're proud to have a key role in supporting SK hynix's innovation roadmap through our CMP solutions."

The signing ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 7, was held during SEMICON West in Phoenix, Ariz., and attended by SeongHan Kim, EVP, Head of Procurement, SK hynix; MoonHwan Lee, SVP, Head of Component Procurement & Technology, SK hynix; and Sanjay Kotha, Global Business Director, CMP Technologies, Qnity™, DuPont Electronics.

Qnity is intended to be separated from DuPont on November 1, 2025.* Qnity is a leader in CMP technology, with solutions including leading CMP pad brands like Ikonic™ and IC1000™, CMP slurries, and post-CMP cleans. Qnity recently announced the launch of the Emblem™ CMP pad platform, a next-generation product family designed for the demanding needs of chips for AI and advanced computing, including high-bandwidth memory. Emblem™ pads offer step-out CMP performance and enhanced customization options for emerging CMP process needs.

About Qnity    
Qnity, DuPont's Electronics business, is a premier technology solutions provider across the semiconductor value chain, empowering AI, high performance computing, and advanced connectivity. From groundbreaking solutions for semiconductor chip manufacturing, to enabling high-speed transmission within complex electronic systems, our high-performance materials and integration expertise make tomorrow's technologies possible. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at www.qnityelectronics.com. Investors can access the initial Form 10 filing and amendments for Qnity on its investor website.

Qnity™, the Qnity Node Logo, and all products, unless otherwise noted, denoted with ™ or ® are trademarks, trade names or registered trademarks of affiliates of Qnity Electronics, Inc.

About DuPont
DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets, including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare, and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses, and solutions can be found at www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

DuPont™, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with ™, ℠ or ® are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

* On January 15, 2025, DuPont de Nemours, Inc. ("DuPont") announced it is targeting November 1, 2025 to complete the intended separation of its Electronics business (the "Intended Electronics Separation") by way of a spin-off transaction, thereby creating Qnity Electronics, Inc., a new independent, publicly traded electronics company. The Intended Electronics Separation will not require a shareholder vote and is subject to satisfaction of customary conditions, including final approval by DuPont's Board of Directors, receipt of tax opinion from counsel, the completion and effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, applicable regulatory approvals and satisfactory completion of financing. 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements use words such as "plans", "expects", "will", "would", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "seeks", "projects", "efforts", "estimates", "potential", "continue", "intend", "may", "could", "should" and similar expressions, among others, as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances. Statements that describe or relate to DuPont's or Qnity's plans, goals, intentions, strategies, DuPont's or Qnity's expectations regarding the Spin-Off, and statements that do not relate to historical or current fact, are examples of forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate, and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are out of DuPont's and Qnity's control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and there are a number of important factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the results contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors can be found in DuPont's and Qnity's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including DuPont's most recent annual report on Form 10-K, most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K and Qnity's registration statement on Form 10. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Neither DuPont nor Qnity undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qnity-and-sk-hynix-sign-long-term-cmp-pad-supply-agreement-302585630.html

SOURCE DuPont

FAQ

What did Qnity (DD) announce on Oct. 16, 2025 about SK hynix?

Qnity announced an MOU signed Oct. 7, 2025 to establish a long-term supply agreement to provide CMP polishing pads to SK hynix.

How does the Qnity–SK hynix agreement affect SK hynix's semiconductor production in 2025?

The agreement is intended to support SK hynix's next-generation manufacturing and mass production needs for CMP polishing pads.

When will Qnity separate from DuPont and how does it relate to the SK hynix deal?

Qnity is intended to separate from DuPont on Nov. 1, 2025; the supply MOU was signed prior to that separation.

What products will Qnity supply to SK hynix under the agreement mentioned Oct. 16, 2025?

Qnity will supply CMP polishing pads, including offerings from its Emblem™, Ikonic™, and IC1000™ pad platforms.

Does the Oct. 2025 announcement include financial terms or volumes for the Qnity and SK hynix supply agreement?

No; the announcement notes a long-term supply agreement via an MOU but does not disclose financial terms or volumes.