Water strategies and practices for sustainable development in the semiconductor industry

Semiconductor manufacturing is a rapidly growing industry and water-intensive industry. Water strategy formulation and decisions can be crucial factors in realizing the sustainable development of the semiconductor industry. This study surveyed the sustainability reports of 24 semiconductor corporations and investigated their water strategies and practices. Water targets proposed in the early stage of the 21st century are summarized. Water recycling, reuse, and restoration were the main strategies. Reverse osmosis played a dominant role in water treatment and reclamation. Classified wastewater collection and separate treatment systems have contributed greatly to improvement of water recycling rate in industrial parks. Finally, a future water cycle system for semiconductor manufacturing parks is proposed, which comprises water source, water use and recycling, and water discharge. This study is of theoretical and practical significance for the formulation and implementation of water strategies in the semiconductor industry to help accomplish its sustainable development with rapid growth.