Recent #sustainability news in the semiconductor industry

25 days ago

➀ Prof. Dr. Hannah Roth joins the University of Duisburg-Essen (UDE) to research sustainable, high-performance membranes using eco-friendly materials and solvent-free production methods;

➁ Her work focuses on applications like water purification, lithium recovery, and medical dialysis, with innovations such as the "Chemistry in a Spinneret" technique for creating multi-layered membranes in a single step;

➂ Roth holds a distinguished academic background, including awards like the 2024 VENI-Grant, and aims to advance industrial applications in environmental and energy technologies.

Research projectssustainability
29 days ago

➁ TSMC partnered with local beekeepers to produce ‘Ji Mi’ honey, utilizing restored ecosystems around its fabs;

➂ The company's environmental efforts include 90% water recycling and 97% waste reuse rates, aligning with sustainability goals;

➃ Native species like fireflies and silver goby returned, signaling restored ecological balance near TSMC facilities.

TSMCsemiconductorsustainability
about 1 month ago

➀ The EU-funded PEARL consortium achieved over 21% efficiency for flexible perovskite solar cells using advanced R2R manufacturing, with institutions like ICIX and VTT developing surface treatments and greener processes;

➁ Durability tests confirmed stability over 2,000 hours in harsh conditions, while sustainable practices, including carbon electrodes and material recycling, reduced the carbon footprint by 50%;

➂ The project aims to optimize large-scale production for applications like building-integrated photovoltaics, with demonstrations planned at the EU PVSEC 2025 conference.

semiconductorsustainability
about 1 month ago

➀ A 3D-printed device by graduates uses atmospheric water generation (AWG) to produce up to 6 liters (1.6 gallons) of drinking water daily.

➁ The modular design leverages metal-organic frameworks and solar-powered condensation cycles, targeting affordability and global scalability.

➂ While still a prototype, the project highlights 3D printing’s potential in solving water scarcity amid global sanitation challenges.

3D printingInnovative Technologysustainability
about 2 months ago

➀ A controversial University of East London ad links screen time to climate damage through data center emissions, rather than Wi-Fi itself;

➁ The campaign emphasizes the environmental impact of social media-driven data centers, advocating for sustainable infrastructure research;

➂ Critics warn the ad risks misinterpretation by conspiracy theorists, despite its intent to provoke climate awareness.

HPCPrivacysustainability
2 months ago

➀ The DIBCO project, led by THWS, focuses on digitalizing reusable container logistics through low-code/no-code planning tools and real-time machine monitoring dashboards to enhance efficiency;

➁ A computer vision system was developed to autonomously detect container defects with over 80% accuracy, replacing manual inspections and improving quality control;

➂ Sensor-based container tracking provided insights into supply chain logistics, aiding sustainability goals by optimizing container cycles and reducing energy consumption through collaboration with industry partners and Bavarian government funding.

Logisticscomputer visionsustainability
3 months ago

➀ Lib Work's 3D-printed houses use a mix of soil (65%), slaked lime, and natural fibers, achieving earthquake resistance grade 3—Japan's highest safety rating;

➁ The eco-friendly design reduces CO2 emissions by over 50% compared to traditional concrete homes, emitting only 22,434kg per house;

➂ The technology enables free-form architectural designs and even hints at future extraterrestrial applications with its 'Mars Building Project' using Martian soil.

3D printingConstructionsustainability
3 months ago

➀ Dr. Hans Kleemann of TU Dresden received the 2025 Joachim Herz Prize (€500,000) for his bio-based, recyclable circuit board research under the "UnbeLEAFable" project, aiming to replace conventional electronics components with sustainable alternatives inspired by leaf vascular structures;

➁ The innovation combines biodegradable bioplastics and natural leaf skeletons to create eco-friendly printed circuit boards (PCBs), reducing fossil fuel dependency and enabling efficient recycling of electronic waste, which accounts for 62 million tons annually;

➂ The funding addresses the "Valley of Death" in product development, bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application, with potential to revolutionize the electronics industry toward a circular economy.

Biotechnologysemiconductorsustainability
4 months ago

➀ RS Group showcased significant progress in its 2024/25 ESG Report, including a 7% year-on-year reduction in direct CO₂e emissions and achieving 94% recyclable packaging;

➁ Key initiatives focused on advancing sustainability, empowering employees through safety training, supporting over 913,000 youth in skills development, and collaborating with 2,500+ suppliers to raise ethical standards;

➂ The company earned top-tier sustainability recognitions, including CDP's A-List and EcoVadis Platinum status, while aligning ESG strategy with long-term growth through a new Chief Sustainability Officer role.

RS GroupSupply Chainsustainability
4 months ago

➀ A joint research project by Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf and Universität Innsbruck explores manganese as a sustainable alternative to rare-earth elements in LED phosphors;

➁ Mn2+ in alkali lithosilicates demonstrates stable white-light emission under high temperatures, potentially replacing dual rare-earth phosphors in LEDs;

➂ The innovation addresses geopolitical and cost challenges of rare-earth mining while improving material accessibility and thermal performance for lighting applications.

LEDsemiconductorsustainability
4 months ago

➀ The EU will enforce a new energy label for smartphones and tablets (Android/iPadOS) from June 20, 2025, evaluating energy efficiency, durability, repairability, and reliability, with Fraunhofer IZM contributing key technical standards;

➁ The label aims to extend device lifespans (3.0 to 4.1 years for midrange phones), reduce e-waste, and save consumers €20 billion by 2030 through requirements like 800+ battery cycles, 7-year spare parts availability, and software/firmware access;

➂ Fraunhofer IZM developed robustness tests (e.g., drop tests) and advocated for reparability metrics, with similar laptop labels planned for 2028.

energy efficiencysemiconductorsustainability
4 months ago

➀ The EU will enforce a new energy label for smartphones and tablets starting June 2025, evaluating energy efficiency, durability, repairability, and requiring seven-year spare parts availability and software updates;

➁ Developed with Fraunhofer IZM, the label aims to extend device lifespans (e.g., smartphones from 3.0 to 4.1 years), cut e-waste, and save 14 TWh of energy annually by 2030;

➂ Future plans include expanding the initiative to laptops by 2028, reinforcing the EU’s focus on sustainable consumption and circular economy principles.

Softwaremobilesustainability
6 months ago

➀ Fraunhofer IDMT and partners develop a contactless acoustic cleaning method using structure-borne sound to clean PV modules without water or mechanical abrasion, addressing up to 20% yield loss caused by soiling;

➁ The technology targets a rapidly growing market, projected to reach $1.85 billion by 2033, particularly in regions with high dust and water scarcity;

➂ Funded by the German government, the project includes simulation models and algorithms to optimize cleaning efficiency, with a live demonstration at the Intersolar trade fair.

Softwaresemiconductorsustainability
6 months ago

➀ British climate tech company Levidian and Canadian graphene technology company Zentek have entered an agreement to explore the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in the Middle East.

➁ The collaboration aims to combine expertise in carbon capture, graphene production, and materials development to accelerate the roll out of Zentek’s ZenGUARD™ Enhanced Air Filters and other graphene-enhanced products.

➂ Levidian’s patented LOOP system produces clean hydrogen and high-quality graphene by capturing carbon from methane before it’s burned.

graphenesustainability
6 months ago

➀ Researchers have discovered a way to use a natural waste product from Indian trees to improve supercapacitors, potentially leading to more sustainable energy storage solutions.

➁ The gum kondagogu, secreted by the bark of the Cochlospermum gossypium tree, was combined with sodium alginate to create a protective layer that extends the lifespan of supercapacitors by preventing electrode corrosion.

➂ This breakthrough could significantly reduce electronic waste and enhance the efficiency of energy storage devices, marking a major step forward for green energy technology.

Supercapacitorselectronicssustainability
6 months ago

➀ The article introduces a dual-mode film made from nano-engineered scattering fibers derived from upcycled chip bags, designed for sustainable thermal management.

➁ The film absorbs solar energy in cold conditions and reflects it in warm ones, improving building energy efficiency.

➂ The film is constructed with a biopolymer base and silica nanoparticles, and its scalability and environmental responsibility are highlighted.

NanomaterialsThermal Managementsustainability
6 months ago

➀ Regina Luig developed a method for indirect temperature monitoring of the rotor magnets in electric motors during her bachelor's thesis at Hochschule Coburg.

➁ Instead of temperature, she measures changes in the magnetic field, which weaken as the motor heats up.

➂ This innovative approach helps prevent overheating and reduces the need for rare earth materials, thus contributing to the sustainability of electric motors.

Sensor TechnologyThermal Managementelectric vehiclesinnovationsustainability