Industry

Samsung Electronics recovers palladium from semiconductor waste, reuses it for PCB materials

Samsung Electronics said on Thursday it had obtained a cumulative 38 approvals under Korea\'s circular resource recognition system as of August this year. The system allows certain waste that meets legal standards to be used as raw materials without waste-related regulation. Samsung said it cut waste by 6,859 tonnes a year as of 2025. It said it is recycling items including wafer trays, defective wafers and diamond disks, recovering palladium for printed circuit board materials.

Industry

Water infrastructure demand rises with fab expansions in Yongin and southwest; ultrapure and reuse systems gain ground

Water infrastructure demand is expected to grow alongside semiconductor fab expansions in South Korea, with the ability to secure water emerging as a key pre-investment check for capex. Water use by major chipmakers far exceeds that of other large facilities, and planned expansions in Yongin and the southwest are set to raise demand further. This is driving adoption of ultrapure water, zero-liquid-discharge reuse and integrated treatment designs, while supply schedules and permitting risks remain.