Kolon Industries doubles aramid pulp production

Gumi, South Korea – Kolon Industries has completed an expansion project at its factory in Gumi to double production capacity for aramid pulp.

The Korean group invested KRW22 million (€15 million) in the project to increase production capacity from 1,500 tonnes per annum to 3,000 tonnes per year, said a 13 Nov statement.

Test operations to supply the products to customers have begun at the facility, it added.

Aramid pulp is produced by physically processing aramid fibres into a fragmented form and is primarily used as a reinforcement material in automotive components such as brake pads, gaskets, and tire rubber.

Kolon said that with the added capacity, it is responding to the increasing demand for low-emission brake pad materials.

According to the manufacturer, brake pads containing aramid pulp can reduce dust emissions by up to 70% compared to conventional products.

The feature makes the brake pads compliant with the upcoming Euro 7 environmental regulations for vehicles, set to take effect in Nov 2026.

Kolon said it was “the only company” in Korea capable of mass-producing aramid pulp and adding that it planned to start full-scale product delivery from the expanded facility next month.

In addition to the aramid pulp, Kolon is also focusing on aramid fibre production as a ‘high value’ segment.

Kolon doubled its aramid fibre production capacity last year, increasing output from 7,500 tonnes to 15,310 tonnes, claiming the top position for production capacity.