The European Union and the United States are joining forces to seek replacements for PFAS in semiconductor manufacturing. This initiative comes as part of the joint US-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held in Leuven, Belgium. Bloomberg reports that both entities have outlined plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins in the quest to find alternative materials, thus reducing reliance on PFAS.
Recognising that “the acceleration of the digital transformation creates unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation but also raises numerous risks and challenges”, the TTC seeks to advance the governance of critical and emerging technologies, such as AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors, biotechnology, and online platforms.
“We plan to continue working to identify research cooperation opportunities on alternatives to the use of per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in chips”, says the TTC statement. “For example, we plan to explore the use of AI capacities and digital twins to accelerate the discovery of suitable materials to replace PFAS in semiconductor manufacturing.”
The proposed collaboration underscores the urgency in addressing PFAS pollution, which has raised significant environmental and health concerns on both sides of the Atlantic. PFAS are a particular concern for water utilities worldwide, which face the challenge of detecting and removing these contaminants, which can evade traditional water treatment methods.
Addressing PFAS contamination requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses both remediation efforts to tackle existing pollutants in the environment as well as upstream interventions aimed at minimizing their release into the environment in the first place. This entails proactive regulatory measures to restrict the production and use of PFAS-containing products, as well as the development and adoption of safer alternatives.
Aside from the PFAS issue, the TTC also reaffirmed plans for the EU to join the US in evaluating the security risks associated with legacy chips in supply chains. Legacy semiconductors, crucial components across various industries, have garnered attention due to China's substantial investments in expanding their production. Both the EU and the US are wary of potential market distortions and critical dependencies arising from this development.
In essence, the collaborative endeavours between the EU and the US reflect a proactive approach towards addressing multifaceted challenges in the semiconductor sector, including environmental concerns associated with PFAS and security risks posed by legacy chips. By harnessing technological advancements and fostering international cooperation, both entities aim to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future in semiconductor manufacturing.
