Sustainable Manufacturing

As a manufacturing service provider, ASEH embraces the concept of “doing more with less” and committed to four sustainable manufacturing principles, namely sustainable designs, sustainable procurement and material selection, sustainable production and sustainable packaging and logistics. In the initial product/process design stage, sustainable manufacturing practices (as shown in the diagram below) are incorporated into the entire product life cycle; from raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, usage, to disposal, as well as at subsequent stages of product manufacturing and distribution. Our approach allows us to provide customers with sustainable products of higher value while minimizing the impact to the environment and improving eco-efficiency.

We are committed to:

• Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

• Managing hazardous substances in components and raw materials used in manufacturing

• Creating solutions for the design of lightweight, thin, small and energy-efficient products

• Reducing the environmental impact from manufacturing, packaging, and transportation

ASEH recognizes that the semiconductor and electronics manufacturing industry consumes a substantial amount of raw materials. The ASEH Board of Directors have approved the following Sustainable Raw Materials Policy based on the company’s sustainable manufacturing principles.

We conduct training for employees involved in managing the sustainability aspect of raw materials, educating them on green products (hazardous substance control), environmental protection, business ethics, supplier sustainability management, and conflict minerals. In 2024, 46,154 people participated in these training courses resulting in the increase of environmental awareness, and understanding the significance of utilizing appropriate raw materials for sustainability.

To achieve sustainable manufacturing, effective management of hazardous substances is crucial. We implement control measures using the QC080000 Hazardous Substance Process Management System. As an example, at ASE Kaohsiung, the team diligently identifies and manages hazardous substances that are subject to controls in accordance with regulatory and customer requirements. Next, in supply chain management, green and non-green raw materials with or without hazardous substances are classified accordingly. Using the Green Product Management System (GPMS), a raw materials database is established to comply with the EU RoHS Directive, REACH Regulation, US Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), as well as other national laws and customer standards. This proactive approach allows us to set robust requirements for hazardous substance management and standards that exceed regulatory and emerging trends.

We have expanded our control measures for chemicals that cause health hazards and increase environmental risks, including bioaccumulation, persistent pollutants, and toxic substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or affects fertility.  In addition, any newly introduced chemicals in the manufacturing process that are prohibited by customers or the EU REACH Restricted Substances List, will be replaced with another qualified substance. As an example, ASE Kaohsiung identifies and develops a list of restricted and prohibited substances based on relevant Taiwanese and EU REACH regulations, along with established customer requirements. The site has also developed an integrated chemical management system for material lifecycle management. Prior to material procurement, our EHS specialists carefully review and approve new materials or any new changes in chemical composition to ensure that they do not contain high-risk substances and conduct hazard identification and risk assessment indicating an acceptable level of risk. This risk assessment takes into account factors such as chemical toxicity including incidence of employee injury or illness, frequency and duration of use, and the effectiveness of control measures. Chemical hazard classification must be clearly labelled for materials in storage and throughout the usage. Personnel handling the material must take the necessary protective measures in accordance with the hazard classification. At ASEH, we are fully committed to prioritizing employee health and safety by providing environmentally friendly manufacturing services.

The ASE chemical laboratory conducts R&D and in-depth analysis of green materials right from the source. The lab is part of ASE’s initiative to strengthen the company’s green solutions by actively developing green manufacturing processes and using environmentally friendly packaging materials.

• Evaluation and development of green materials: Non-toxic/mildly toxic raw materials and chemical products

• Development of environmental testing technology: Establish monitoring technology, mechanisms and standards in compliance with global environmental regulations

• Developments in green manufacturing: Evaluate the technologies in recycling, reduction, and reuse of materials and waste

• Development of environmental-friendly packaging: Develop bio-composite material packaging