FTD Solutions has joined imec’s Sustainable Semiconductor Technologies and Systems (SSTS) programme, strengthening efforts to improve water management and sustainability across semiconductor manufacturing.
The collaboration brings together FTD Solutions, which specialises in industrial water intelligence, and imec, a global research and innovation hub for semiconductor technologies.
As the semiconductor sector faces increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, water use, wastewater treatment and chemical management are becoming central to operational performance and long-term sustainability.
Integrated water management in semiconductor manufacturing
Semiconductor production relies heavily on ultra-pure water and complex chemical processes, generating significant wastewater streams that must be carefully managed.
One of the challenges identified across the industry is the separation between manufacturing processes and facility operations. This divide can limit system-wide optimisation, particularly when addressing issues such as PFAS management, water reuse and overall resource efficiency.
The partnership aims to address this gap by developing more integrated models that connect process technologies with facility-level water and wastewater systems, enabling more holistic decision-making.
Enhancing modelling and sustainability insights
A key focus of the collaboration is improving imec’s net-zero modelling capabilities by incorporating more detailed representations of water use, wastewater treatment and reclamation systems.
By combining research expertise with operational data, the initiative seeks to deliver more accurate site-level insights, supporting better water conservation strategies and improved sustainability outcomes.
These enhanced models are expected to help semiconductor manufacturers evaluate trade-offs between upstream process changes and downstream treatment solutions, particularly in areas such as contaminant removal and water reuse.
Supporting industry-wide sustainability goals
The semiconductor industry is under growing pressure to balance rapid technological advancement with environmental responsibility, particularly as demand for chips continues to rise globally.
Collaborative initiatives such as the SSTS programme bring together stakeholders across the value chain to address shared challenges, including energy use, water consumption and emissions reduction.
By improving the understanding of water systems within semiconductor facilities, the partnership supports broader efforts to increase operational resilience, reduce environmental impact and enable more sustainable manufacturing practices.
For more developments in industrial water management, visit our Industrial section.
