Circularity in Semiconductor fabrication

As response to the highly resource-intensive manufacturing of semiconductors with significant environmental impacts, innovative solutions are needed to assist the semiconductor industry to become more sustainable.

ZeroChip strives to develop in-depth understanding of the global semiconductor supply chains’ eco-efficiency and find ways to lower the emissions of semiconductor manufacturing and to create competitive circular solutions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method is used to assess hotspots in semiconductor manufacturing and to identify possibilities for improvement. Specifically, the focus of the study is on examining the possibilities to reclaim nanoscale critical raw materials and their opportunities for reuse in the same processes or in other industries. Together with partner companies a roadmap for achieving circularity in semiconductor fabrication will be generated. Additionally, the aim of the project is to create a water management plan applicable to semiconductor fabrication with increased water sufficiency through piloting at VTT Micronova facilities.