6 Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint in Your Semiconductor Supply Chain
Semiconductor manufacturing generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, making supply chain decarbonization a critical priority for the industry. This article outlines six practical strategies to reduce carbon footprint across semiconductor operations, backed by insights from industry experts. From managing fluorinated gases to optimizing logistics, these approaches offer concrete steps toward more sustainable manufacturing.
Abate Fluorinated Gases With Partner Alignment
One effective method to cut the carbon footprint of the semiconductor supply chain is reducing fluorinated process-gas emissions (e.g., NF3, CF4, C2F6) through point-of-use abatement and process optimization. These gases have extremely high global warming potential, so improving abatement efficiency and reducing usage can deliver outsized impact versus many "surface" sustainability actions.
To engage partners, we recommend treating it as a shared decarbonization program, not a compliance demand: start with a hotspot map (which suppliers/process steps drive the footprint), then align a small set of priority suppliers on a clear request list—product carbon footprint reporting, abatement standards, renewable electricity plans, and transparent progress metrics. Make it easy to participate by providing templates/tooling, running supplier workshops, and—critically—adding procurement incentives (preferred status, longer contracts, co-funded pilots) for suppliers who meet targets.
— Steve Mayer, Director, Carbon Blue Solutions Limited LLC
Deliver Hourly Clean Energy Through Firm Deals
Move fabrication plants to 24/7 renewable power by using time matched contracts that cover every hour of load. Long term power deals with wind, solar, and hydro can be paired with batteries to match night and peak hours. Hourly energy certificates give proof that clean power met the exact use, which strengthens Scope 2 claims.
Submeter key tools to find big loads and shift flexible steps to renewable rich hours. Share plans with utilities to unlock green tariffs and grid upgrades near fabs. Start with an hourly load map and approach energy partners to build a 24/7 plan today.
Shift Freight to Rail and Sea
Cut air freight by moving finished goods and materials to rail and sea where time allows. Build a buffer in inventory and adjust planning so longer transit does not hurt service. Use lane trials to verify schedule reliability and watch door to door time and damage rates.
Book vessels with cleaner fuels and choose rail routes with low carbon grids when possible. Track emissions per shipment so teams can see gains and fix problem routes fast. Pick one high volume lane and run a mode shift pilot this quarter.
Recover Solvents Plus Metals From Process Waste
Recover value by recycling solvents and reclaiming metals from process waste. Segregate spent IPA and other solvents and use distillation to meet purity specs for reuse. Work with certified vendors to pull copper, gold, and rare metals from slurries and scrap streams.
Set clear purity and yield targets and audit plants to keep safety and quality high. Publish recovery data so teams trust the loop and cut fresh purchases. Kick off a solvent recovery trial on one tool set and expand as quality proves out.
Favor Low-Carbon Inputs Backed by Audited Data
Buy inputs with low carbon proof to cut embodied emissions in wafers, chemicals, and metals. Ask for third party verified product data, such as an environmental product declaration, for key items. Use this data in bids and give credit for lower carbon per unit, not just price and lead time.
Set clear rules on claims and require audits to avoid greenwash. Track results in supplier scorecards and tie wins to future awards. Add carbon criteria to the next round of RFQs and inform suppliers now.
Adopt Reusable Wafer Carriers Across Sites
Switch to reusable, standard wafer carriers and crates that work across sites and partners. Choose strong, cleanroom safe designs that resist static and can be washed and checked after each trip. Set common sizes and labels so packing is fast and mistakes drop.
Add simple tags to track return loops and spot losses early. Compare total cost over several turns to show savings in waste fees and bought packaging. Launch a return loop between two close sites and measure results for scale up.