ASTech and dsm-firmenich partners to drive UV filter innovation
This move is aimed at accelerating growth in the global market for sun protection products.
SOUTH KOREA – dsm-firmenich and ASTech, a Korean company UV filter ingredients for sun protection, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) along with an investment closing for strategic business cooperation in UV filter ingredients.
The agreement, signed on January 9, 2026, during a ceremony in Seoul, unites ASTech’s specialized manufacturing expertise in high-performance UV filters with DSM-firmenich’s worldwide distribution network and research capabilities.
This collaboration focuses on securing a reliable supply chain, innovating new sun care ingredients, and boosting joint marketing to capture larger shares in the evolving global sunscreen sector.
The partnership targets leadership in the sophisticated sun care market by developing advanced UV solutions that align with consumer demands for effective protection.
It emphasizes collaboration in R&D, production scale-up, and market expansion to set new standards for UV filter technology worldwide.
Jongbae Yoon, CEO of ASTech, said, “We find it deeply meaningful to become partners with dsm-firmenich, a global leading company, on the basis of strong mutual trust.”
“Through this cooperation, we will showcase ASTech’s UV filter technology to the world and together with dsm-firmenich, lead the standards of the global UV filter ingredients market.”
The partnership comes at a time when the suncare market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by heightened consumer awareness of UV damage, regulatory shifts, and demand for multifunctional, eco-conscious products.
According to a report by Future Market Insight, the global suncare products market is valued at about USD 14 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 21 billion by 2035, growing at a steady CAGR of around 4.2–4.3%.
dsm-firmenich offers a wide portfolio of sunscreen ingredients and solutions, including patented UV filters, mineral filters (TiO₂, ZnO), and formulation tools like the SUNSCREEN OPTIMIZER™.
Last year, dsm-firmenich Beauty & Care launched House of Science, a global campaign designed to transform the future of beauty through scientific innovation.
This campaign highlights the company’s deep global R&D expertise and celebrates the brilliant scientific minds that are shaping the next generation of beauty solutions.
The “House of Science” campaign reflects dsm-firmenich’s ambition to lead the beauty industry by combining scientific excellence with sustainability and purpose.
The company invests over €700 million(USD 829.1 million) annually in research and development, employing more than 2,000 scientists and engineers worldwide.
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