Ever wondered if the industry could reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing? And maybe even provide a positive return-on-investment (ROI) without modifications to environmental permits? Or realize the alchemist’s dream of turning waste into revenue in the semiconductor supply chain?SEMI has launched a new report “The Evolving Paths for Waste in Semiconductor Manufacturing” focused on the concept of re-use and resale versus onsite treatment or offsite disposal of manufacturing wastes within the semiconductor manufacturing value chain. This compendium of best-known methods (BKMs) should be used as a roadmap for companies to reduce costs and make a positive impact on global sustainability efforts.Historically, semiconductor manufacturing has followed a linear “take–make–dispose” model. More recently, semiconductor manufacturing and advanced packaging facilities (fabs) are trying harder to improve their waste management strategies to minimize costly (and undesirable) waste treatment services such as landfill or hazardous waste incinerators. Many barriers prevent fabs from further transitioning from a linear to a circular mindset.The semiconductor industry generates on average ~1.88 tons of waste per million dollars of revenue or 6.8 million metric tons of total waste per year, based on data gathered from over 140 companies in the semiconductor value chain and aggregated in the SEMI Dashboard. Identifying Addressing the BarriersTo identify and address the barriers, SEMI has developed the first of its kind guide to support the adoption of circular design principles and resource recovery practices across the semiconductor manufacturing value chain. The primary recommendation is to accelerate adoption of proven circular solutions by improving visibility of peer practices, aligning regulatory strategies, and strengthening ROI assessments to support informed decision-making.The report consolidates publicly available BKMs for recovering and recycling spent chemicals, wastewater treatment by-products, tool packaging, and other manufacturing wastes generated by integrated device manufacturers (IDMs), foundries, outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities, equipment manufacturers, and material suppliers. The report’s recommendations are completely accessible with advice on how to respond when management raises objections on common topics – helping to change the mindset from ‘waste’ and seeing it as a product.ConcernsResponsesThere are regulatory barriers.There are options to addressing those barriers.No one else is doing it.There are companies taking action and making a difference.It is a waste of time and money.There is an opportunity to turn the funds spent on disposal into revenue sources.There is no room in the facilities areas for a new tank.Switching from tanks to totes is a viable strategy. The review draws on corporate sustainability reports, waste treatment technology publications, and industry data compiled by SEMI, complemented by professional experience in chemical waste management in the EU and USA. The report identifies existing technological, regulatory, and economic enablers for material recovery, as well as barriers in legacy facility design. The report provides circular design and resource recovery practices across the semiconductor value chain. It is a single, accessible information source on current best-known recovery and recycling practices. This report enables you to become the alchemist, streamline discovery, accelerate adoption, and turn waste into revenue streams. How to PurchaseThe report is an ‘alchemists dream’ and provides guidance on turning waste into revenue in the semiconductor supply chain.Get your copy today! Purchase “Evolving Paths for Waste in Semiconductor Manufacturing: A Guide to Turning Waste into Revenue” at the SEMI Store.Taimur Burki is Sustainability Consultant at SEMI.
