• SK hynix first Korean semiconductor company to be named as one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies^®
• Members’ commitment to business ethics, support for business partners recognized
• Company to foster business ethics suitable for leading AI memory provider

Seoul, March 12, 2025

SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has received the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies^® recognition by Ethisphere¹, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, marking the first case for a Korean semiconductor company to be named as an honoree.

¹Ethisphere: Global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices that strengthen corporate brands, build trust in the marketplace, and deliver business success. Ethisphere honors superior integrity programs through World’s Most Ethical Companies^® recognition.

The assessment is based on Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient^®, which requires companies to provide 240+ different proof points on practices that support robust ethics and compliance; governance; a culture of ethics; environmental and social impact; and initiatives that support a strong value chain.

In 2025, 136 honorees were recognized spanning 19 countries and 44 industries. SK hynix is one of only four honorees in the semiconductor industry.

The international recognition follows years of the company’s efforts to set up goals for business ethics and systematic evaluation and implementation of them. SK hynix expects the ethics management system that the stakeholders can trust and suitable for a global company to help it and its customers to achieve higher corporate values.

SK hynix and its employees have combined efforts to advance business ethics further with members participating in the signing of compliance commitment letter and compliance surveys every year with passion.

In 2023, SK hynix also started a program to share its operation and know-how of the business ethics system with business partners to further grow it into a system for the broader supply chain.

“Congratulations to SK hynix for achieving recognition as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies^®,” Erica Salmon Byrne, Ethisphere’s Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Chair, said. “Behind this honor is a true dedication and a commitment to advancing business integrity.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to our members for their continued efforts to help advance the company’s principles for ethical management to be recognized globally,” SK hynix Chief Executive Officer Kwak Noh-Jung said. “We will strive to meet the trust from our stakeholders and do our part to continue as an ethically responsible AI memory provider.”

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”) and flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Media Contact

SK hynix Inc.
Global Public Relations

Technical Leader
Kanga Kong, Minseok Jang, Sooyeon Lee
E-Mail: global_newsroom@skhynix.com

The post SK hynix Named as a 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies^® Honoree first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

¹Net Zero: The objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a level where the amount of emissions is equal to the amount of those absorbed and removed, resulting in a state where the actual greenhouse gas emissions are zero.

Comprised of 12 specialized subcommittees, the CMC drives greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction efforts to cut emissions for each scope². The committee has already achieved significant milestones as it works toward its net zero goal, including the development of neon gas recycling technology, alternative gases, and high-efficiency, low-power scrubbers.

²Scope: Greenhouse gas emissions are categorized into Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions).

This article will focus on a project by the CMC’s Low-Power Pump Introduction subcommittee to develop low-power vacuum pumps and improve existing models, marking another step toward reaching net zero by 2050.

(From left) Members of the CMC’s Low-Power Pump Introduction subcommittee: Jungbin Lee (Technical Leader [TL] of Components Standardization), Seho Lee (TL of ThinFilm Technology Strategy), Haeyong Sung (Team lead of Components Standardization), Jinsik Yoo (TL of Components Standardization), and Seungwon Choi (TL of Components Standardization)

Low-Power Pumps: Advancing Semiconductor Miniaturization & GHG Reduction

Pumps play a vital role in determining the quality and yield of semiconductors by creating high-vacuum environments and eliminating impurities in increasingly miniaturized semiconductor processes. They account for approximately 15% of the total electricity usage of a fabrication plant (fab). The project therefore aimed to minimize the electricity consumption of pumps by introducing new low-power pumps and enhancing the energy efficiency of existing models, ultimately reducing Scope 2³ emissions.

³Scope 2: Indirect GHG emissions associated with the purchase and use of electricity, steam, heat, or cooling.

By implementing changes to motors, materials, structures, and introducing a new architecture, the team successfully developed low-power pumps to be deployed across existing and newly constructed SK hynix fabs. Efforts to reduce the capacity of existing pumps, such as lowering their revolutions per minute (RPM)⁴, have further cut power consumption. These upgrades will be applied to processes such as etching⁵ in existing fabs.

⁴Revolutions per minute (RPM): A measure of the speed at which a pump’s motor rotates, specifically the number of rotations around a fixed axis in one minute. Lowering the RPM reduces power consumption while maintaining the necessary operational performance.
⁵Etching: A process in semiconductor manufacturing where materials are removed from a wafer’s surface using chemicals or plasma to create precise patterns for circuits.

To learn more details about this remarkable achievement, the SK hynix Newsroom spoke with three members of the Low-Power Pump Introduction subcommittee: Jinsik Yoo and Jungbin Lee of Components Standardization and Seho Lee of Thin Film Technology Strategy.

(From left) Seho Lee, Jinsik Yoo, and Jungbin Lee discuss their project to develop low-power pumps

A Leap Forward: New Pumps Consume Nearly 40% Less Power Than Predecessors

In the first quarter of 2024, SK hynix began evaluating the newly developed low-power pumps for potential adoption. By the third quarter of the same year, the company started introducing these pumps in existing fabs through strategic investments. For the M15X fab and the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, which are both currently under construction, the company plans to fully apply these new pumps only to processes that have been thoroughly evaluated. SK hynix also intends to expand the adoption of these low-power pumps to additional processes in the future.

During the initial evaluation phase in the first quarter of 2024, the team found that reducing the pump capacity in etching processes from 30,000 liters to 20,000 liters did not significantly impact semiconductor quality or yield. As a result, new investments in etching processes since the third quarter of 2024 have involved reducing pump capacity, in addition to incorporating low-power pumps, to maximize energy efficiency.

“By introducing the low-power pumps and reducing pump capacity, we have significantly cut power consumption. This is expected to not only lower carbon emissions but also contribute to savings in investments, repairs, and operating costs,” Jinsik Yoo explained.

Based on the main process standards of the existing M14 fab, it is estimated that using the low-power pumps rather than conventional models in the fabs currently under construction could decrease pump power consumption by 39.7%. This reduction in power consumption will substantially cut carbon emissions from electricity generation to help lower Scope 2 emissions.

The new low-power pumps consume significantly less power than their predecessors

Optimizing Existing Pumps: Cutting Power Consumption Through RPM Adjustment

In addition to developing low-power pumps, the project also focused on reducing the power consumption of existing pumps. “We could not feasibly replace every pump,” Jungbin Lee noted. “Therefore, the most effective path forward was to minimize the energy usage of our existing pumps, leading to many discussions to find the optimal solution.”

Following extensive talks, the Low-Power Pump Introduction subcommittee proposed reducing power consumption by lowering the RPM of existing pumps. To ensure this method would not affect ongoing processes, they conducted thorough Proof of Concept (PoC) verification, which included theoretical analysis, simulations, and on-site evaluations.

The verification process proved to be particularly challenging due to the variety of pump models from different manufacturers. Collaborating closely with field engineers, the team tested each pump individually to analyze yields and potential consequences of the RPM reduction.

After completing rigorous theoretical analysis and simulation modeling, the subcommittee piloted RPM reductions in select pumps used for the etching process and confirmed the change had no significant impact on the process yield. Encouraged by the pilot’s success, the team expanded evaluations at the M15 and M16 fabs.

“Once the process evaluations are complete and the RPM reductions are applied across the entire etching process at the M15 and M16 fabs, we expect to reduce average pump power consumption by 16.7%,” said Jinsik Yoo. “This improvement will cut electricity costs and help to reduce carbon emissions.”

By lowering pump RPM, the CMC expects to achieve key power savings

Shared Values & Collaboration: Key to the Successful Development of Low-Power Pumps

One key factor in the project’s success was the subcommittee’s strong collaboration with five pump partner companies and field engineers. “Thanks to this cooperation, where everyone shared the company’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050, we were able to develop and validate the new low-power pumps in a timely manner,” noted Seho Lee.

“Developing these innovative pumps presented significant challenges as there was limited data in this emerging field,” Jinsik Yoo added. “However, the proactive spirit of our partners, including their willingness to directly coordinate with their overseas headquarters, ensured the smooth and successful execution of the project.”

Field engineers also played a crucial role in the project’s success. Jungbin Lee said: “Engineers balanced their regular duties while taking on this project’s tasks such as analyzing equipment conditions and verifying test materials. Despite the challenges, their commitment to reaching the company’s 2050 net zero goal drove us to achieve the results we see today.”

The Low-Power Pump Introduction subcommittee actively supported various aspects of the project to ensure the seamless integration of new pumps into production. In particular, the subcommittee proactively assisted the process by estimating the additional costs expected from the introduction of the new pumps and preparing expenses and investment support in advance.

(From left) Seho Lee, Jinsik Yoo, and Jungbin Lee are determined to complete the pump project and achieve net zero by 2050

Reflecting on this collaborative triumph, Seho Lee said: “This project goes beyond sustainable management. It aims to protect the climate of our one and only planet, so I took a more active approach. This project made me realize that our pump partner companies and field engineers are united by shared values.”

Looking ahead, Jungbin Lee expressed his commitment to successfully completing the ongoing project and continuing the work to achieve net zero by 2050. “Building on the success of this project, we will also be leveraging AI technology in the future to optimize low-power pump management,” he said. “By selecting the optimal pump models and deploying them in the most effective locations, we aim to further reduce energy consumption and move closer to achieving our 2050 net zero goal.”

The post A Step Closer to Net Zero: SK hynix Adopts Low-Power Pumps to Cut Carbon Emissions first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

SK hynix was invited to speak at the event by the SCC², an organization under SEMI, to share its efforts in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As an SCC co-founder, SK hynix has actively collaborated with leading industry players to create a sustainable semiconductor value chain and set new heights in green practices.

¹Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI): An international industry association consisting of global semiconductor equipment and materials manufacturers which aims to advance industry collaboration and growth.
²Semiconductor Climate Consortium (SCC): The first global consultative body formed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the semiconductor value chain. Its members include semiconductor companies in the material, component, equipment, and manufacturing fields, including SK hynix, and global ICT companies.

SK hynix presented its “Journey to Decarbonization” plan at SEMICON West 2024

The Road to Decarbonization

As demand for high-performance memory rises in line with the growth of advanced technologies such as AI, the semiconductor industry faces the challenge of increasing production while improving its sustainability. In particular, semiconductor companies are focusing on methods to cut GHG emissions.

In a bid to improve company-wide strategies for reducing GHG emissions, SK hynix established its Carbon Management Committee (CMC) in 2022. The committee leads various initiatives such as developing low-power equipment, reducing process gases, and cutting energy consumption. On a broader level, the company collaborates with suppliers and industry players to adapt sustainable practices. The company’s multi-faceted approach to sustainability is set to be crucial as it looks to reduce Scope 1, 2 and 3³ emissions.

³Scope 1, 2 and 3: Scope 1 refers to direct emissions generated in the production stage, while Scope 2 describes indirect energy-related emissions generated in the process of making electricity or steam used in the workplace. Scope 3 are indirect emissions which occur in an organization’s value chain.

At SEMICON West 2024, SK hynix’s presentation focused on its efforts to reduce Scope 1 and 3 emissions. Jonghwan Lee of Etch Diffusion Thin Film Water (EDTW) Material Development and Jaehoon Jang of Climate Action took to the stage on the second day of the conference for the talk.

Fostering a Sustainable Semiconductor Ecosystem

During Jang’s part of the presentation, he highlighted SK hynix’s efforts to address Scope 3 emissions through industry collaborations. Working with suppliers and other players, the company develops sustainable technologies and methods across the industry supply chain. As a CDP⁴ Supply Chain member since 2022, SK hynix encourages its suppliers to disclose environmental data and reports. In 2023, the company ensured that 84% of 114 suppliers shared the requested data as part of the CDP Supply Chain Program. In addition, the company supported suppliers in setting and achieving climate change response goals.

⁴CDP: Previously known as the Climate Disclosure Project, CDP is a non-profit organization which assists and guides organizations in setting up strategies and implementing sustainable practices.

SK hynix ensures the majority of its suppliers participate in the CDP Supply Chain Program

Jang also touched on SK hynix’s creation of ECO Alliance, a coalition dedicated to reducing GHG emissions in the company’s supply chain. Launched in 2019 with 31 first-tier suppliers, ECO Alliance expanded to include 47 companies by 2023. Some of its main activities include setting joint GHG reduction targets, participating in the aforementioned CDP Supply Chain program, and hosting workshops where members share best practices and meet potential collaborators.

In 2022, SK hynix announced joint targets for ECO Alliance members related to sustainable practices including GHG reduction. As the company provided tailored one-on-one consulting to members, 39 out of the 47 member companies were able to set at least one target aligned with the joint targets in 2023.

Jang shares how SK hynix has become a global leader in fostering sustainable industry practices

Three-Pronged Approach to Cutting Emissions

For his part of the presentation, Lee focused on three of SK hynix’s efforts to reduce its Scope 1 emissions. At semiconductor fabs, high GWP⁵ process gases account for the majority of Scope 1 emissions so it is vital to optimize them and adopt alternative gases. These two initiatives, along with enhancing scrubber⁶ treatment efficiency, were the central points of Lee’s talk.

⁵Global warming potential (GWP): A measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide.
⁶Scrubber: Equipment that filters and treats waste gases generated during the semiconductor manufacturing process.

SK hynix has seen positive results in developing alternative gases by engaging in three-way collaborations with material and equipment partners. In 2023, the company successfully applied alternative gases with a lower GWP to some processes while not compromising product quality. Building on this achievement, the company is currently testing more than 15 alternative gases for future application in processes.

Lee also covered some of SK hynix’s approaches to optimizing process gas usage. The company is enhancing the process time and gas flow rate during the etching process and optimizing the gas used for cleaning equipment during the thin film and diffusion processes. Furthermore, SK hynix has reduced the use of nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), a key contributor to the company’s Scope 1 emissions, by optimizing cleaning processes involving the gas. In total, the number of SK hynix’s optimization cases for thin film and diffusion processes have increased 12-fold since 2022, leading to a more than three-fold reduction in GHG emissions over the same period.

SK hynix’s optimization cases for thin film and diffusion processes have risen sharply in recent years

The presentation also covered SK hynix’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of scrubbers that remove gases and compounds generated during semiconductor processes. The company has set a goal to increase its scrubber treatment efficiency to 95% by 2030, up from 93% recorded in 2023. To achieve this, the company is working on various initiatives such as developing new equipment to reduce scrubbers’ water and power consumption and enabling a single scrubber to treat gases from multiple pieces of equipment.

Overall, the transition to alternative gases, optimization of gas usage, and improvements in scrubber treatment efficiency are projected to help SK hynix realize a 73% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2050.

Lee gives an overview of how SK hynix is reducing its Scope 1 emissions

A Greener Industry is Possible Together

At SEMICON West 2024, SK hynix underlined its position as a key driving force behind initiatives which reduce GHG emissions in the semiconductor industry. From the company’s innovative approaches to cut direct emissions to the collaborations for reducing emissions throughout the supply chain, SK hynix is a leading light in the sector’s sustainability efforts. Looking ahead, the company remains committed to developing technologies and collaborating with the semiconductor community as it continues its journey to decarbonization.

The post SK hynix Presents Its “Journey to Decarbonization” at SEMICON West 2024 first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

In the semiconductor industry, waste generation is a pressing issue as various materials are disposed of during the production processes and general operations. In response, semiconductor companies are implementing measures to minimize their environmental footprint.

For SK hynix, the company is continually improving the sustainability of its operations through various initiatives in line with its ESG framework PRISM. To mark World Environment Day on June 5, the newsroom takes a closer look at SK hynix’s leading waste management system as the company moves toward establishing a circular economy¹.

¹Circular economy: An economic model of production and consumption in which final materials are reused and recycled back into the cycle as much as possible.

Advancing Sustainability Through World-Class Waste Management

SK hynix’s waste management practices include a significant focus on recycling. The company recycled around 96% of the total waste it produced in 2022, the most recent year for which data is available, amounting to 565,206 tons of recycled waste². This represents a marked increase from 2019 when the company recycled 365,562 tons, or approximately 88% of its total waste.

²From the SK hynix Sustainability Report 2023. Figures based on domestic (Icheon, Cheongju) and overseas (Wuxi, Chongqing) recycling rates.

The increase in SK hynix’s recycling rate over the years

In recognition of its waste management efforts, SK hynix has been awarded several certifications. The company received the platinum Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL)³ certification, the highest level available, in 2022 after all of the company’s domestic facilities diverted 100% of waste away from landfills.

Furthermore, SK hynix became the first large company to receive the South Korean Ministry of Environment’s Circulation Resource certification in 2019 for recycling discarded IC trays⁴. The company has since received the same accreditation for recycling its nonferrous metals, synthetic resin, and electrical and electronic equipment.

³Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL): A certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that evaluates a company’s actual waste recycling rate and landfill volume based on its level of resource recycling and the final landfill volume of residuals generated during waste disposal. The platinum ZWTL accreditation is awarded to a facility which consistently achieves a landfill waste diversion rate of 100%.
⁴IC tray: Trays that protect semiconductor products from shock, electric waves, and high temperatures when such products are moved during the production stage of wafers.

Next-Generation Technology for Innovative Waste Management

In the semiconductor industry, the disposal of consumable materials such as wafers and chemical mechanical polishing (CMP)⁵ pads can also contribute to waste generation. To reduce the amount of wafer waste, SK hynix recycles wafers using its own Wafer Regeneration technology. This technology enables non-pattern wafers, which are generally disposed of due to defects, to be reused as high-quality test wafers by improving the surface quality through the wet strip and CMP processes. These regenerated wafers can be used 100 times more than reclaim wafers, a type of recycled non-pattern wafer previously used by SK hynix. Through this system of reusing and recycling, SK hynix aims to reduce economic costs by 86.2 billion won (USD 63.2 million) and social costs by 37 billion won (USD 27.1 million) by 2025.

⁵Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP): A process performed to polish and flatten the wafer surface with various chemical and mechanical solutions. It aims to ensure the even stacking of layers as thin films deposited onto the wafer surface may develop bumps and curves during the manufacturing process.

The company also made efforts to reduce the disposal of CMP pads. These pads generate substantial amounts of waste as they are the most heavily used consumable CMP material that require frequent replacements. As a solution, SK hynix developed a technology to recycle CMP pads. Using these recycled pads instead of the disposable pads will cut costs, significantly reduce pad waste by several tons annually, and decrease the emission of harmful gases when incinerated.

To continue its strong record in recycling, SK hynix has become the first semiconductor company to establish a roadmap for the active utilization of recycled and renewable materials in production. Through the roadmap, the company aims to raise the proportion of recycled materials used in its products to 25% by 2025 and more than 30% by 2030. To achieve these goals, the company plans to acquire relevant recycling technologies and build the required infrastructure.

Racing Toward a Circular Economy

Through its accredited waste management system, SK hynix is dedicated to achieving resource circulation by optimizing material usage and recycling. The company implements advanced technology to develop innovative recycling methods which can further improve its sustainability. Looking ahead, SK hynix will enhance its waste management and recycling efforts to help establish a global circular economy and realize a greener future.

The post World Environment Day: SK hynix’s Waste Management & Recycling Initiatives Pave a Greener Road Ahead first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

Figure 1. SK hynix received the Best ESG Bond award at the 2023 IFR Asia Awards dinner

The Inner Workings of SK hynix’s Triple-Tranche Bond

SK hynix’s triple-tranche bond was noted for being creative and offering a variety of investment options while adhering to the needs of both the issuer and investors. The bond was comprised of three segments: a USD 750 million 6.25% 3-year conventional bond, a USD 1 billion 6.375% 5-year sustainability-linked bond (SLB)¹, and a USD 750 million 10-year 6.5% green bond². The balance of the SLB and green bond in the same transaction drew particular attention for offering something unique to the market.

The SLB, which was a first for a global semiconductor memory manufacturer, has a core environmental-related KPI. By 2026, it aims for at least a 57% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2³ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity⁴ compared to a 2020 baseline.

¹Sustainability-linked bond (SLB): A fixed-income bond tied to predefined ESG objectives that are measured through predefined KPIs. The interest rates of the bond can vary depending on whether the issuer achieves its objectives.
²Green bond: A debt security issued by an organization to finance or refinance projects that are positive for the environment and/or the climate.
³Scope 1 and 2: Scope 1 refers to direct emissions generated in the production stage, while Scope 2 describes indirect energy-related emissions generated in the process of making electricity or steam used in the workplace.
⁴Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity: The amount of GHG released per production capacity for SK hynix’s semiconductor memory.

Meanwhile, the net proceeds from the green bond have been allocated towards the financing or refinancing of environmental projects outlined in SK hynix’s Green Financing Framework. These include sustainable water and wastewater management, energy efficiency, pollution prevention and control, and terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity conservation.

These bonds play a key role in helping SK hynix reach its sustainability goals, such as reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Its environmental commitments are further highlighted by its status as a founding member of the global Semiconductor Climate Consortium, the first consultative body which targets GHG reductions throughout the semiconductor value chain.

Green Bond Funds a More Sustainable Semiconductor Ecosystem

Figure 2. Allocation by category of the green bond’s USD 750 million proceeds

In addition to being the most popular portion of the triple tranche deal, the green bond has realized significant advancements in SK hynix’s products as well as its environmental efforts. A total of 92.8%, or USD 696 million, of the bond’s total proceeds (USD 750 million) was allocated by the third quarter of 2023, with all of the funds expected to be allocated by the end of 2023 (awaiting confirmation of fourth quarter data).

[Read the 2024 green bond annual report for more information on its impact here]

Figure 3. The green bond’s positive effect on water management from 2020 to 2023

Among the funds, USD 6.90 million was allocated to sustainable water and wastewater management. Efforts included work on a regional municipal water project, construction of a drainage reuse system for a cooling tower, and improvements on a water pollution treatment facility. As a result, the company expects to see an increase in its water reuse rate and a reduction in wastewater discharge.

Figure 4. DDR5 offers reduced power consumption compared to its predecessor

SK hynix allocated its largest portion of the green bond’s proceeds for improving energy efficiency as the company invested USD 681.16 million in realizing significant related advancements in the company’s products. These developments included its industry-leading server DRAM DDR5 achieving a 70% increase in server bandwidth compared to DDR4, while its power consumption decreased by 14.4% compared to the previous generation. The performance per watt of the company’s latest SSD product, PS1010 E3.S, also improved by 85% from the earlier generation PE8110 E1.S.

Figure 5. An ecological park near SK hynix’s Icheon main campus which uses recycled water

A further USD 750,000 was allocated to terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity conservation. These funds supported construction of a large public ecological park near SK hynix’s Icheon campus which stretches the area of nearly four American football fields. At the park, crystal-clear water comes from the campus’ wastewater treatment plant and flows into the Jukdang Stream in Icheon.

Figure 6. Reduction of NOx emissions in tons at the Icheon and Cheongju fabs

Another USD 6.96 million was allocated to pollution prevention and control. The proceeds funded monitoring systems for atmospheric management, infrastructure for nitrogen oxide reduction, and a temperature reduction system in both the company’s Icheon and Cheongju fabs. Consequently, from 2020 to 2023, emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) were reduced by around 530 tons in these two major fabs. In addition, air pollutant analysis systems and water quality measurement systems have been installed in the fabs to monitor for environmental problems, minimize environmental harm, and make restoration efforts.

Figure 7. Financial Management Head Hyungmo Yang highlights how the bond supports SK hynix’s environmental goals

“Our triple-tranche bond offers varied investment opportunities while also supporting our sustainability efforts,” said Hyungmo Yang, head of Financial Management. “In particular, the green bond funds environmental innovations such as increased product energy efficiency, improved wastewater management, and pollution reduction. Going forward, the bond’s proceeds will continue to help us meet our environmental goals.”

The post SK hynix Wins IFR Asia Award for Innovative Sustainability Bond first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

In February 2024, SK hynix became the first semiconductor company to unveil a mid- to long-term roadmap for bolstering the use of recycled materials. Through the roadmap, the company aims to raise the percentage of recycled materials used in its products to 25% by 2025 and to above 30% by 2030. The development of the neon recycling technology is expected to be a significant achievement for the company’s Material Recycling department in line with this roadmap.  

Figure 1. The process for recycling neon gas

Neon is one of the rare gases¹ and a key component of excimer laser gases², which are essential in the semiconductor lithography process³. As neon does not chemically decompose or transform when used as a laser light source, it can be recycled and reused through separation and purification processes. 

Taking advantage of this characteristic, SK hynix and TEMC succeeded in developing neon recycling technology. For the recycling process, a scrubber⁴ is used to capture the neon gas which is then collected in a tank following lithography. The neon gas is then selectively separated and purified using TEMC’s gas treatment process before being supplied to SK hynix for reuse in semiconductor manufacturing. Currently, the neon recovery rate, which is measured by multiplying emissions, capture volume, and purification yield, is at 72.7%. SK hynix plans to increase this rate to 77% by continuously improving the purification yield.

¹Rare gas: Gases including helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon that exist in low concentrations in the atmosphere. Largely used in industrial processes, they are difficult to mass produce and impossible to synthesize artificially.
²Excimer laser gases: A mixture of noble, halogen and buffer gases used for an excimer laser, a type of ultraviolet laser used in lithography.
³Lithography: The process of creating patterns onto a substrate, typically silicon wafers, with a laser to define the layout of electronic components.
⁴Scrubber: Equipment that filters and treats waste gases generated during the semiconductor manufacturing process.

One-Team Collaboration with Partners Expected to Cut Neon Purchasing Costs

Figure 2. SK hynix collaborated with materials and equipment partners to recycle neon gas

SK hynix was able to develop this technology as a result of close cooperation and synergy with its materials and equipment partners which boast expertise in their respective fields. The company plans to develop more of these partnerships with industry specialists in the future.   

The application of the recycling technology offers significant benefits. When used in semiconductor fabs, the neon recycling technology is expected to cut the cost of purchasing neon by KRW 40 billion (USD 30 million⁵) per year⁶. 

⁵Based on the KRW-USD exchange rate in March 2024.
⁶This figure is based on the unit cost of neon in 2022 and expected volume that will be used in one fab of the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster.

The First Step to Developing 10 Raw Material Recycling Technologies by 2025

Figure 3. (From left to right) Hwanuk Song, Buseup Song, and Youngjun Jeong of the Material Recycling department discuss recycling innovations

The Material Recycling department led the development of the neon recycling technology. As a subcommittee of the Carbon Management Committee⁷, it is responsible for securing recycling technologies for non-chemically modified materials and establishing a recycling-friendly fab environment based on these innovations. The subcommittee aims to recycle all materials that are not chemically decomposed and transformed during the semiconductor process. By 2025, it plans to develop recycling technologies for a total of ten raw materials, including neon, deuterium, hydrogen, and helium gases, as well as chemicals such as sulfuric acid. Looking further ahead, the company aims to complete a technology review for all non-chemically modified materials by 2030. 

⁷Carbon Management Committee: A company-wide organization involving research, manufacturing, facilities, environment, and procurement to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The committee leads initiatives such as low-power equipment development, process gas reduction, and energy reduction based on AI/DT technology.

Figure 4. The five stages of developing recycling technology

To achieve these goals, the subcommittee has categorized the development of recycling technologies into five stages based on technological maturity. As shown in Figure 4, the subcommittee aims to reach stage 3 (material evaluation) for ten raw materials including neon by 2025.  

Ultimately, SK hynix plans to overcome the uncertain supply of materials which are largely imported from overseas, thereby elevating the company’s competitiveness for years to come.   

The post SK hynix Teams Up With Local Partners to Develop Pioneering Neon Gas Recycling Tech first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

“Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.” These words from media personality Oprah Winfrey are particularly poignant on International Women’s Day (IWD) as they highlight how belief helps women achieve success at work and beyond.

This mentality has undoubtedly played a part in the rise of female leaders across offices worldwide. At SK hynix, efforts to boost inclusion have seen the number of female executives and team leaders rise in 2022 from the previous year. To encourage the inclusion of more female workers and leaders, it is important to hear from women with values and traits that inspire those around them.

In a special interview to mark IWD 2024 on March 8, the SK hynix Newsroom asked six women from the company’s offices around the world to describe a belief that motivates them to improve themselves. From striving for the highest standards to spreading positive energy, discover the beliefs that have taken the interviewees to the next level.

What Belief Inspires You to Improve Yourself Both Inside and Outside of Work?

“Being on a team that manages the technical and quality issues of SK hynix’s flagship products including GDDR¹ and HBM² can get a bit overwhelming at times. The fact that my decisions could impact our company’s revenues or product returns keeps me on my toes. But I view such challenges as opportunities. Since setbacks are inevitable, we must focus on the next steps instead.

“Also, I was the first female and youngest expat to assume this role, which added even more pressure. It didn’t make it any easier that I had to move to the U.S. from South Korea by myself. However, I found that you often don’t realize what you’re capable of until you’re challenged. Facing challenges is a testament to one’s capabilities and a catalyst for growth. So, I always say…Just go for it!”

¹Graphics Double Data Rate (GDDR): A type of high-performance memory designed for applications with high bandwidth requirements, such as graphics processing units (GPUs).
²High Bandwidth Memory (HBM): A high-value, high-performance product that revolutionizes data processing speeds over conventional DRAMs by vertically connecting multiple DRAMs with through-silicon via (TSV) technology.

“I’m a firm believer in reaching for the highest standards of excellence in my work and beyond. To reach such levels, you need to find ways to become efficient and prevent problems from recurring. That’s why I create guidelines that track the difficulties and problems I run into when working on projects. This habit has made it easier to find solutions for issues at work.

“I also feel proud when my colleagues are able to reduce their work times and become more efficient by following my guidelines, because I know how satisfying it is to see yourself growing. I like to tell my colleagues to strive for the best standard in everything you pursue.”

“My high school basketball team was all about positive vibes, and this team culture translated into good results for us. Our positive attitude and desire to improve is summed up by the fact that we would sometimes even practice without our coach.

“Just as I did on the basketball court, I always have an upbeat attitude at work. Although everyone occasionally lets their emotions get the best of them, I’ve been fortunate to work with team members and customers who maintain their positive energy no matter what. You want to work with these kinds of people and help them in even the smallest ways. That’s why I have an optimistic approach to work as I believe spreading good energy makes all the difference.”

“At our fab in Wuxi, I was nominated by my co-workers as the ‘model employee’. It was truly gratifying to know that I was picked for my work ethic and leadership as I feel tremendous satisfaction when my efforts are acknowledged by the people around me. It’s also equally significant when I get the chance to make an impact in my organization and community. So, when I was chosen to be the company’s representative at China’s National People’s Congress, promoting SK hynix’s various contributions to the public sector was at the top of my mind.

“In the process, I really wanted to address the needs and well-being of my coworkers and help solve issues we see in society as being a leader comes with the moral responsibility to look out for others.”

“I enjoy finding the optimal solution to problems as I know that my capabilities will improve as a result. When travelling with friends, I identify and resolve any issues in the itinerary, including restaurants, transport, and so on, to make our journey more comfortable. Likewise, at work I am never phased by any issues and will collaborate with my co-workers to find solutions.

“No matter how much time it takes, I’ve learned that persistent determination paves the road to solving the problem. The key is to be careful, deliberate, and show perseverance in everything you do. In the long run, it makes life easier for myself and the people around me.”

“Straight out of college, everything was new for me at work. I would just follow what my seniors were doing all the time. Taking notes from them, I gained knowledge as an engineer and the right attitude. I feel lucky to have met so many great co-workers during my time at the company.

“My parents named me ‘Hane’ which means ‘exemplary’ in Korean. They were the ones who showed me that anyone could change the world one small step at a time. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to meet other role models throughout my life who helped me get to where I’m today. So, just as my name suggests, I also want to become someone who can lead others in the right direction.”

The post Women of SK hynix Reveal Inspirational Beliefs on International Women’s Day 2024 first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

• Aims to increase the percentage of recycled materials to 25% by 2025, above 30% by 2030
• Sets goals and action plans, while encouraging participation from partners
• Moves towards a circular economy by joining forces with all stakeholders

Seoul, February 6, 2024

SK hynix Inc. (or “the company”, www.skhynix.com) announced today that it has established a roadmap to actively utilize recycled¹ and renewable² materials in production, marking the first case that a semiconductor company lays out such mid- to long-term plan.

¹Recycled Materials: Materials extracted, recovered and reprocessed from pre-consumer waste generated in the manufacturing process before arrival at end users or from post-consumer waste disposed of after use.
²Renewable Materials: Sustainable materials that originate from nature and can be regenerated naturally over time, ultimately not depleted (e.g. wood, etc.).

“In order to achieve Net Zero, or Carbon Neutrality, establishing a circular economy system centered on resource recycling has become an important task for countries and companies around the world,” SK hynix said. “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.”

Through this roadmap, SK hynix aims to raise the proportion of recycled materials used in the products currently manufactured by the company to 25% by 2025 and more than 30% (based on weight) by 2030.

As part of the plan, SK hynix will start with essential metals for semiconductor production, such as copper, tin, and gold, and replace them with recycled materials. Industry experts point out that metal materials are the most effective when it comes to resource circulation as they account for a large proportion of the weight of finished memory products and are difficult to replace with other materials.

The company also plans to make all-out efforts to promote resource circularity, including replacing the plastic packaging used to protect finished semiconductor products with recycled plastic.

To this end, SK hynix prepared an implementation system for the goals in the roadmap.

The company will strengthen certification procedures and quality evaluation for recycled materials purchased directly by the company, and decide whether to apply the materials included in the parts supplied by business partners after receiving and reviewing the quality evaluation. In addition, SK hynix plans to encourage its suppliers to join the efforts to obtain validation from publicly trusted external organizations, such as ISO 14021³, to verify the use and proportion of recycled materials. In this process, the company will provide its unsparing support to its suppliers if necessary.

³ISO 14021: Type 2 environmental label established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that manufacturers adopt to declare themselves environmentally friendly

“As a company that takes ESG management seriously, we intend to actively participate in the establishment of a global circular economy,” said Junho Song, Vice President and Head of Advanced Quality & Analysis, of SK hynix. “While implementing this roadmap, we will work together with all stakeholders in the semiconductor supply chain, including customers and suppliers, to achieve practical results.”

Disclaimer

These materials are not an offer for sale of the securities of SK hynix Inc. in the United States. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. SK hynix Inc. does not intend to register any offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States.

About SK hynix Inc.

SK hynix Inc., headquartered in Korea, is the world’s top tier semiconductor supplier offering Dynamic Random Access Memory chips (“DRAM”), flash memory chips (“NAND flash”) and CMOS Image Sensors (“CIS”) for a wide range of distinguished customers globally. The Company’s shares are traded on the Korea Exchange, and the Global Depository shares are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. Further information about SK hynix is available at www.skhynix.com, news.skhynix.com.

Media Contact

SK hynix Inc.
Global Public Relations

Technical Leader
Sooyeon Lee
E-Mail: global_newsroom@skhynix.com

Technical Leader
Kanga Kong
E-Mail: global_newsroom@skhynix.com

The post SK hynix Unveils Roadmap for Use of Recycled Materials first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.

The post Our ESG Progress, Visualized: Achieving Stakeholder Satisfaction Through Corporate Governance first appeared on SK hynix Newsroom.