Boosting collaboration on minimizing and mitigating risks related to PFAS, while ensuring sustainability and regulatory compliance.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of synthetic chemicals essential in various semiconductor manufacturing processes due to their unique properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks necessitate finding alternatives. The semiconductor industry faces significant challenges in transitioning away from PFAS due to the extensive time required for developing viable alternatives and the sector's rapid growth.

 

This working group aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration, research, and innovation to manage, mitigate, and eventually replace PFAS, ensuring environmental sustainability and compliance with regulatory requirements.

   

Objectives

The WG on PFAS shall:

  • Promote strategies for managing and mitigating PFAS to minimize environmental and health impacts.
  • Foster research and development efforts to identify, test, and implement suitable PFAS alternatives.
  • Advise the Commission on policy actions, ensuring alignment and compliance with EU and international environmental and health regulations while considering the industry's technological and economic constraints.
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    Potential participants

    Representation should encompass all segments of the value chain, including manufacturers, equipment suppliers, as well as academic and research institutions. Industry associations could act as (co-)chairs. Participants are expected to contribute as rapporteurs for the various deliverables.

       

    Deliverables

    During its first session at the end of June 2024, the WG should elect a chair and co-chair to organize the group's substantive work, supported by the Alliance’s secretariat. The WG is expected to establish a plan with specific deliverables and deadlines, building on already completed work. The deliverables could include:

  • Identifying and mapping existing research in the field.
  • Determining research priorities.
  • Discussing definitions and classifications of PFAS for semiconductors.
  • Identifying suitable entities to conduct the necessary research.
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    The WG on PFAS is a members only group and therefore the access is limited to the members of the Alliance on Processors and Semiconductor Technologies.

     

    Key information

    Start date: 18 October 2024

    Call for membership: Open

    Members of the TWG

    nxp
    NXP
    STMicroelectronics
    STMicroelectronics
    Robert Bosch GmbH
    Robert Bosch GmbH
    CEA-Leti
    CEA-Leti
    Intel Corporation
    Intel Corporation
    Infineon Technologies AG
    Infineon Technologies AG
    Dassault Systèmes
    Dassault Systèmes
    ESIA
    European Semiconductor Industry Association
    Alcyon Photonics
    Alcyon Photonics
    AESEMI - Spanish Semiconductor Industry Association
    AESEMI - Spanish Semiconductor Industry Association
    Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum vzw
    Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum vzw
    AMETIC
    AMETIC
    ASML
    ASML
    UB
    University of Bordeaux
    Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
    Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
    AMD
    AMD
    logiicdev Gmbh
    logiicdev Gmbh
    FMD
    Research Fab Microelectronics Germany - FMD
    TNO
    TNO
    MURATA
    MURATA
    SEMI Europe
    SEMI Europe
    WOOPTIX S.L.
    WOOPTIX S.L.
    Cologne Chip AG
    Cologne Chip AG
    ALTER TECHNOLOGY TUV NORD S.A.U.
    ALTER TECHNOLOGY TUV NORD S.A.U.
    Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)
    Confederation of Danish Industry (DI)
    Philips
    Philips
    Soitec
    Soitec
    Air Liquide Group
    Air Liquide Group
    Applied Materials
    Applied Materials
    The LEGO Group
    The LEGO Group