Press Release
January 13, 2026
Seoul, South Korea & Kaiseraugst, Switzerland — January, 13 2026
ASTech, a company specializing in UV filter ingredients for sun protection, and dsm-firmenich, a global leader in nutrition, health, and beauty, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for strategic business cooperation and completed the related investment process.
On January 9, ASTech held the “MOU Signing & Investment Closing Ceremony” at Yeong Bin Gwan, The Shilla Seoul (Jung-gu, Seoul). Key executives from ASTech and dsm-firmenich attended the event and pledged to cooperate to strengthen competitiveness in the global sunscreen market.
Strategic Cooperation in UV Filters: Combining Technology and a Global Network
The core of this MOU is joint cooperation in the UV filter (sun protection ingredient) business. Through this agreement, the two companies will pursue:
By combining ASTech’s advanced ingredient manufacturing capabilities with dsm-firmenich’s extensive global network and R&D strengths, the companies expect to create unique synergies in the increasingly sophisticated global sun care market.
Securing Growth Momentum Through Investment Closing
The “Investment Closing,” conducted alongside the MOU signing, signifies that the partnership has progressed beyond simple cooperation into a stage of stronger capital commitment and strategic alignment.
“We Will Set a New Standard for the Global Sun Care Industry”
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,” adding, “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.”
Parand Salmassinia, President Beauty & Care, dsm-firmenich said, “Sun care is a highly strategic growth pillar for dsm-firmenich. This partnership reinforces our leadership in delivering advanced UV filter solutions backed by deep science, global scale, and a strong commitment to innovation. By combining ASTech’s world-class expertise with our R&D capabilities and global market reach, we are accelerating the development of future-forward sun care solutions that meet the evolving needs of brands and consumers worldwide.”
About ASTech
World-Class Fine Chemical Company.
About dsm-firmenich
As innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, dsm-firmenich reinvents, manufactures, and combines vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances for the world’s growing population to thrive. With our comprehensive range of solutions, with natural and renewable ingredients and renowned science and technology capabilities, we work to create what is essential for life, desirable for consumers, and more sustainable for the planet. dsm-firmenich is a Swiss company with dual headquarters in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland and Maastricht, Netherlands, listed on the Euronext Amsterdam, with operations in almost 60 countries and revenues of more than €12 billion. With a diverse, worldwide team of nearly 30,000 employees, we bring progress to life every day, everywhere, for billions of people.
beautycare.communications@dsm-firmenich.com
LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Facebook
Forward-looking statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to dsm-firmenich’s future performance and position. Such statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of dsm-firmenich and information currently available to the company. dsm-firmenich cautions readers that such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore it should be understood that many factors can cause actual performance, transaction progress and positions to differ materially from these statements. dsm-firmenich has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release, unless required by law. This communication contains information that qualifies as inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The English language version of this press release prevails over other language versions.