South Korean materials maker Kolon Industries is doubling its aramid pulp production capacity with a 22 billion won ($17 million) investment at its Gumi plant, positioning itself to meet growing demand from automakers facing tougher environmental regulations.
The expanded facility, which has started trial operations, will boost annual output to 3,000 tons from 1,500 tons when full production begins in December. The reinforcement material is crucial for manufacturing brake pads that can reduce dust emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional products.
The timing aligns with the European Union’s upcoming Euro 7 vehicle emissions standards, set to take effect in November 2026. These regulations are expected to drive increased demand for high-performance automotive components.
Kolon Industries, which reported aramid yarn capacity of 15,310 tons last year, produces the pulp through a specialized process that transforms high-strength aramid fibers into a crumb-like form. The material is essential for automotive components requiring heat and wear resistance.
The investment strengthens the company’s position in the specialized materials market, where it faces competition from global chemical manufacturers developing solutions for increasingly stringent environmental requirements in the automotive sector.
