SK hynix Unveils Industry-First Sustainability Roadmap

With a focus on circular economy, SK hynix’s new roadmap paves the way for greater use of recycled materials by 2030.

SK hynix Inc., a South Korea-based semiconductor supplier, has unveiled a detailed strategy for incorporating recycled and renewable materials into its manufacturing processes. This initiative is notable as it represents the first instance of a semiconductor firm setting out a comprehensive medium to long-term agenda for sustainable production practices.

Recycled materials, defined as those recovered and reprocessed from both pre-consumer and post-consumer waste, along with renewable materials, which are naturally regenerating resources, are at the heart of this ambitious plan. SK hynix’s commitment reflects a growing recognition of the need for a circular economy to achieve carbon neutrality and address global resource sustainability challenges. “In line with this trend, we have decided to preemptively establish and faithfully implement the goal of increasing the use of recycled materials in stages,” said SK hynix.

The company has targets within its new sustainability roadmap to enhance the use of recycled materials in its current product lineup. The goal is to boost the recycled content to 25% by the year 2025 and then to exceed 30% by 2030, measured by weight. Initially, SK hynix will focus on substituting essential metals like copper, tin and gold, which are pivotal for semiconductor production, with recycled alternatives. These metals are considered highly effective for resource circulation due to their significant weight in finished memory products and the challenge of finding suitable replacements.

Moreover, SK hynix plans to replace the plastic packaging for its semiconductor products with recycled plastic, further demonstrating its commitment to minimizing environmental impact. To achieve these goals, SK hynix is establishing rigorous certification and quality evaluation processes for recycled materials, while also encouraging its suppliers to pursue validation from reputable external organizations, such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifically ISO 14021.

Junho Song, Vice President and Head of Advanced Quality & Analysis at SK hynix, emphasized the company’s dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. “While implementing this roadmap, we will work together with all stakeholders in the semiconductor supply chain, including customers and suppliers, to achieve practical results,” he added.

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Press release link: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sk-hynix-unveils-roadmap-for-use-of-recycled-materials-302053162.html 

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