Top 10 Companies in the Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Industry (2025)

In Business Insights
February 19, 2026

The Global Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Market was valued at USD 452.7 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 732.8 million by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1% during the forecast period (2024–2032). This growth is primarily driven by the booming electronics sector, increasing demand for high-density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards (PCBs), and the critical role these chemicals play in ensuring superior adhesion between copper layers in multilayer board fabrication.

As the push for more compact and powerful electronic devices intensifies, the demand for reliable surface treatment processes becomes paramount. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Industry—a mix of global chemical giants and specialized solution providers shaping the future of PCB manufacturing.


🔟 1. Atotech (A MKS Instruments Company)

Headquarters: Berlin, Germany
Key Offering: High-performance brown oxide chemistries, including sulfate and mixed-acid systems.

Atotech is a global leader in surface finishing technologies, providing advanced horizontal brown oxide solutions essential for multilayer PCB production. Their formulations are designed to create optimal micro-roughened copper surfaces, significantly enhancing the bond strength with dielectric materials.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of low-copper-discharge formulations to meet stringent environmental regulations.

  • Investment in automated process control systems for consistent treatment quality.

  • Partnerships with major PCB fabricators worldwide for tailored solutions.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


9️⃣ 2. MacDermid Enthone (An Element Solutions Inc. Company)

Headquarters: Waterbury, Connecticut, USA
Key Offering: Enthone® OSP and oxide replacement processes, including specialized brown oxide chemistries.

MacDermid Enthone offers a comprehensive portfolio of chemistry for the electronics industry. Their horizontal brown oxide products are renowned for reliability and are widely used in applications ranging from consumer electronics to advanced automotive systems.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on halogen-free and lead-free compatible formulations.

  • R&D into processes that reduce water and energy consumption.


8️⃣ 3. ICB GmbH & Co. KG

Headquarters: Frickenhausen, Germany
Key Offering: Customized brown oxide chemical systems for rigid and flex-rigid PCBs.

ICB is a key European player specializing in surface treatment chemicals for the PCB industry. They provide robust and stable brown oxide processes that ensure excellent adhesion for complex multilayer boards.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of high-stability hydrogen peroxide-based systems.

  • Emphasis on closed-loop systems to minimize waste.


7️⃣ 4. Guangdong Guanghua Sci-Tech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Shantou, Guangdong, China
Key Offering: Cost-effective brown oxide chemicals for high-volume PCB manufacturing.

As a major supplier in the Asia-Pacific region, Guangdong Guanghua Sci-Tech caters to the massive PCB production base in China. Their products are critical for manufacturers serving the consumer electronics and telecommunications sectors.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Localized production to support regional supply chains.

  • Investment in R&D to improve process speed and efficiency.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


6️⃣ 5. HojinPlatech Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Key Offering: Advanced brown oxide and micro-etching chemicals for HDI PCBs.

HojinPlatech is a leading South Korean company focused on high-tech chemical solutions for the electronics industry. Their expertise lies in formulations suited for the delicate surfaces of advanced packaging and high-density interconnect boards.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Specialization in chemistries for next-generation semiconductor packaging.

  • Commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of PCB fabrication.


5️⃣ 6. KOTTI Chemical Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Key Offering: Comprehensive brown oxide treatment lines and chemical supplies.

KOTTI Chemical is a significant Taiwanese supplier, deeply integrated into the island’s robust electronics manufacturing ecosystem. They provide reliable and consistent chemicals that are essential for the quality standards demanded by global tech brands.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of additive packages that extend bath life and reduce chemical consumption.

  • Active participation in industry consortia for setting environmental standards.


4️⃣ 7. CHEMITUDE

Headquarters: Gent, Belgium
Key Offering: Eco-friendly surface preparation chemicals, including innovative brown oxide alternatives.

CHEMITUDE focuses on sustainable chemistry solutions for industrial applications. In the PCB sector, they are recognized for developing environmentally progressive formulations that maintain high performance while complying with EU REACH regulations.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Pioneering bio-based and less hazardous chemical components.

  • Solutions designed for easy integration into existing wastewater treatment systems.


3️⃣ 8. KENSCO (Japan KENZAI CO., LTD.)

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: High-purity brown oxide chemicals for mission-critical electronics.

KENSCO serves the demanding Japanese electronics market, known for its high-quality standards. Their chemicals are used in applications where reliability is non-negotiable, such as in automotive, aerospace, and medical device electronics.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Focus on ultra-pure formulations to prevent contamination.

  • R&D aimed at reducing process variability in high-mix production environments.


2️⃣ 9. Almit Italia S.r.l.

Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Key Offering: Specialized chemical treatments for the European PCB industry.

Almit is a prominent Italian manufacturer of chemicals for surface treatment. They provide tailored brown oxide solutions that meet the specific needs of European PCB fabricators, particularly those serving the automotive and industrial sectors.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Development of low-temperature processes to save energy.

  • Strong technical support and customer service network across Europe.


1️⃣ 10. SkyChem

Headquarters: Incheon, South Korea
Key Offering: A range of PCB fabrication chemicals, including horizontal brown oxide systems.

SkyChem is a growing force in the Asian market, supplying chemicals to PCB makers who prioritize both performance and cost-effectiveness. Their products are integral to the supply chain for smartphones, computers, and home appliances.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Investment in scaling production capacity to meet rising demand.

  • Efforts to optimize formulations for faster throughput in PCB fabs.

Get Full Report Here:
Global Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: The Future of Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals is Smarter and More Sustainable

The horizontal brown oxide chemicals market is evolving rapidly. While traditional sulfuric acid-hydrogen peroxide systems remain the workhorse of the industry, the focus is shifting towards eco-friendly formulations, advanced process control, and compatibility with next-generation PCB materials.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

  • Accelerated adoption in 5G infrastructure, IoT devices, and electric vehicle manufacturing.

  • Regulatory push for greener chemistries with lower copper discharge and reduced toxicity.

  • Digitalization and automation of chemical dispensing for unparalleled consistency.

  • Expansion into advanced semiconductor packaging applications like Fan-Out Wafer-Level Packaging (FOWLP).

Get Full Report Here:
Global Horizontal Brown Oxide Chemicals Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying essential chemicals—they’re enabling the miniaturization and enhanced performance of the electronic devices that power our modern world.