JK Materials Joins TCL CSOT Supply Chain...Passes High-Temperature and High-Humidity Reliability Evaluation

Hanul Materials Science subsidiary JK Materials has joined the Optical Clear Adhesive (OCA) supply chain of China's display manufacturer TCL Group.

According to JK Materials on September 30, the company has also passed the reliability evaluation for high-functional Optical Clear Adhesive (FOCA) by TCL CSOT, TCL Group's core affiliate, and is currently discussing the expansion of both general OCA and FOCA supply.

JK Materials has completed approximately two years of technical consultations, product testing, and quality and reliability verification, and has now been registered as a supplier for TCL CSOT. TCL CSOT's projected demand for sales in the Chinese market in the second half of this year is a total of 450,000 square meters.

OCA is a transparent adhesive material used to bond display panels, optical films, and cover glass. The selling price of general OCA is approximately KRW 100 million per 10,000 square meters, though this may be adjusted depending on volume and contract terms for bulk supply. TCL CSOT ranked second globally in TV panel shipments last year, and is ranked first worldwide for market share in panels 98 inches and larger.

The FOCA product evaluation has also been completed. JK Materials has passed TCL CSOT's high-temperature and high-humidity reliability tests. FOCA is a high-performance material used for flexible and foldable displays, requires more advanced technology than general OCA, and is therefore relatively more profitable.

The production of these products leverages a collaboration system with Korea-based film manufacturer Company A. JK Materials develops and produces the core raw material resin, while Company A is in charge of film manufacturing. The two companies plan to supply general OCA and commercialize FOCA in line with customers' quality standards.

Discussions are also underway to expand supply in the mid-to-long term. According to the company, TCL CSOT has requested an annual supply volume of 18 million square meters of general OCA from JK Materials in 2027. To respond to this, TCL CSOT has proposed production solutions to JK Materials, including the establishment of a local joint venture. After stabilization of the customer's production lines, the maximum production capacity per line is expected to reach 500,000 square meters per month.

JK Materials stated, "We have completed supplier registration with TCL CSOT and passed the FOCA reliability evaluation," adding, "Based on our collaboration with the domestic film manufacturer, we will materialize local production plans in China, establish long-term supply relationships, and secure stable revenue generation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.