Market Overview
Global pellicle market size and share is currently valued at USD 611.49 million in 2022 and is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 1,559.56 million by 2032, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 9.8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2023 – 2032
Pellicles are ultra-thin membranes mounted over photomasks (or reticles) used in lithography processes during semiconductor production. Their primary function is photomask protection—preventing particle contamination that can cause defects in microchip patterns. In the clean and highly controlled cleanroom environments where microchips are made, even microscopic contaminants can lead to multi-million-dollar losses. With the semiconductor industry undergoing rapid transformation due to innovations in EUV lithography (Extreme Ultraviolet) and other next-generation photonics, the role of pellicles has grown more critical than ever. Manufacturers are now heavily investing in R&D to develop pellicles that are thinner, more heat-resistant, and compatible with high-energy EUV light.
Key Market Drivers
- Growth in Semiconductor Manufacturing
The exponential rise in demand for consumer electronics, automotive chips, IoT devices, and AI processors is fueling investments in semiconductor manufacturing. Pellicles play a critical role in ensuring precision and yield during chip production. - Adoption of EUV Lithography
EUV lithography enables sub-7nm chip production, requiring extremely precise and clean lithography environments. The high-energy EUV process necessitates specially designed pellicles, driving innovation and new opportunities in this segment. - Stringent Cleanroom Standards
Semiconductor fabs are among the cleanest environments in the world. Even minute particles can damage a photomask, requiring expensive replacements. Pellicles act as the first line of defense against such contamination, reducing downtime and improving yield. - Rising Demand for Advanced Consumer Electronics
From smartphones to gaming consoles to electric vehicles (EVs), the world’s hunger for smart, compact, and powerful electronics is putting pressure on foundries to deliver high-efficiency chips—further amplifying the need for reliable photomask protection tools.
Market Segmentation
The Pellicle Market is segmented based on type, application, technology, and region.
- By Type:
- Standard Pellicles
- EUV Pellicles
Standard pellicles are used in deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography and conventional chip production processes. They are made of thin polymer films with anti-reflective coatings. EUV pellicles, however, are newer and require advanced materials such as ultra-thin silicon or carbon-based membranes that can withstand EUV’s intense radiation. This segment is poised for the fastest growth due to the industry’s ongoing shift toward 3nm and 2nm nodes.
- By Application:
- Foundries
- Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs)
- Research Institutions
Foundries like TSMC, Samsung, and GlobalFoundries are major users of pellicles due to their large-scale chip production activities. IDMs such as Intel and Micron also require pellicles for in-house manufacturing processes. Research institutions and semiconductor equipment suppliers utilize pellicles in the development and prototyping phases of advanced lithography tools.
- By Technology:
- DUV Lithography
- EUV Lithography
While DUV lithography still holds the lion’s share of pellicle usage, EUV lithography is rapidly expanding. EUV pellicles must meet more demanding thermal, optical, and mechanical criteria, and they command a premium price due to their complexity.
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Regional Analysis
- Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific dominates the global Pellicle Market, led by Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and China. The region is home to the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers and foundries, including TSMC, Samsung, and SMIC. With these giants heavily investing in EUV lithography capabilities, demand for pellicles—particularly EUV-compatible types—is surging.
Japan, in particular, plays a pivotal role in pellicle material supply chains, with companies like Mitsui Chemicals leading global R&D and production. Additionally, Japanese firms have deep partnerships with global semiconductor OEMs and equipment makers.
- North America
North America, primarily the United States, holds a significant share of the market. Key players such as Intel, NVIDIA, and AMD are ramping up investments in domestic chip fabrication under the CHIPS and Science Act. The presence of major lithography equipment makers and high-tech suppliers has contributed to robust demand for pellicles.
Emerging semiconductor fabs in Arizona, Texas, and Ohio are expected to further accelerate pellicle adoption in the region over the coming decade.
- Europe
Europe’s market is driven by leading lithography equipment maker ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands. ASML is the sole global supplier of EUV lithography systems and works closely with pellicle manufacturers to co-develop EUV-compatible pellicles.
Countries like Germany and France are also witnessing semiconductor investments due to the EU Chips Act. Increased R&D activity and collaboration with academic institutions are contributing to innovation in pellicle technologies.
- Rest of the World (RoW)
Regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and parts of South America are gradually entering the high-tech materials space but currently account for a minor share of the market. However, initiatives like the UAE’s tech hubs and growing interest in electronics manufacturing may drive moderate growth.
Key Companies
The global Pellicle Market is consolidated, with a few major players dominating production and innovation. Key players are focusing on EUV pellicle development, strategic collaborations with semiconductor equipment providers, and expanding production capacities.
Leading Companies Include:
- Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
A pioneer in pellicle technology, Mitsui dominates the standard pellicle segment and is investing heavily in next-generation EUV pellicles. The company collaborates closely with global lithography firms. - ASML Holding N.V.
While primarily a lithography equipment provider, ASML is closely involved in EUV pellicle development. The company has made key acquisitions and formed partnerships to ensure a stable pellicle supply for its EUV systems. - SKC Co., Ltd.
A South Korean materials company that supplies high-quality pellicles for DUV and is expanding into EUV-compatible materials. - Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
Known for its advanced semiconductor materials, Shin-Etsu is actively developing pellicles that can meet EUV durability standards and is expected to become a major player in this niche. - S&S Tech
A rising player in the pellicle market, focusing on improving film uniformity and heat resistance. S&S Tech has gained traction in South Korea’s rapidly growing chip fabrication ecosystem. - Entegris, Inc.
Based in the U.S., Entegris offers a broad range of cleanroom and semiconductor materials. The company is investing in high-performance pellicles and cleanroom protection technologies.
These companies are expected to lead the next wave of innovation as they seek to reduce particle generation, enhance optical transparency, and meet the rigorous demands of cleanroom environments and semiconductor manufacturing.
Conclusion
The pellicle market is on a transformative path, fueled by the global semiconductor renaissance, technological innovation in EUV lithography, and the need for ever-higher standards of photomask protection. As chip geometries continue to shrink and demand for high-performance electronics soars, pellicles will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring precision and reliability in lithography processes.
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