AlixLabs and NSS Water Team Up to Revolutionize Sustainable Water Management in Semiconductor Manufacturing

AlixLabs and NSS Water are partnering to develop sustainable ultrapure water management solutions for the semiconductor industry, addressing the sector's increasing water consumption and environmental concerns. The project, funded by the European Union's ASCENT+ program, aims to improve water recycling methods, reduce chemical usage, and optimize process efficiency. The collaboration will integrate Fraunhofer IPMS's metrology expertise and benchmark NSS Water's nano-pure water on 300-millimeter wafers.

AlixLabs and NSS Water have announced a strategic partnership to develop sustainable ultrapure water management solutions for the semiconductor industry. Funded by the European Union's ASCENT+ program, the project aims to address the sector's increasing water consumption and environmental concerns by improving water recycling methods, reducing chemical usage, and optimizing process efficiency. The collaboration will integrate Fraunhofer IPMS's metrology expertise and benchmark NSS Water's nano-pure water on 300-millimeter wafers.

The semiconductor industry's reliance on ultrapure water (UPW) for manufacturing processes is significant. According to Paul Westerhoff, a regents professor at Arizona State University, water is the largest volume chemical used in semiconductor manufacturing, requiring up to 10 million gallons of UPW per day [1]. This high demand for UPW, along with the stringent purity requirements, poses a substantial challenge for manufacturers.

AlixLabs and NSS Water's partnership aims to tackle these challenges by focusing on water recycling and reducing chemical usage. The project will leverage Fraunhofer IPMS's metrology expertise to ensure the highest standards of water purity and efficiency. NSS Water's nano-pure water technology, specifically designed for 300-millimeter wafers, will be benchmarked to optimize the manufacturing process.

The collaboration is timely, as the semiconductor industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. Companies like TSMC have made strides in water sustainability, achieving a 12% replacement of water resources with reclaimed water in 2023 [1]. However, the industry still faces significant challenges in reducing water consumption and achieving net water positivity.

By improving water recycling methods and optimizing process efficiency, AlixLabs and NSS Water aim to contribute to the broader goal of sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. The project is a step forward in addressing the industry's water sustainability challenges and aligning with global environmental regulations.

References:
[1] https://www.manufacturingdive.com/news/semiconductor-chip-ultrapure-water-sustainability/756469/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/sekisui-chemical-achieves-progress-creating-012000446.html