Micron Technology

Micron Technology, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in memory and storage products for data centers, personal devices, automotive systems, and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Due to the requirement for ultrapure water in semiconductor manufacturing, water reuse, treatment, and restoration are integral components of Micron's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.

Micron's most notable water sustainability achievement is the implementation of a large-scale water reuse, recycling, and restoration system. In fiscal year 2024 (FY24), the company reused and recycled 74.883 million cubic meters of water and achieved 12.319 million cubic meters of water restoration benefits. In total, Micron reported 87.202 million cubic meters of water reused, recycled, and restored. This volume exceeded the company's total annual water withdrawal of 58.182 million cubic meters in FY24. Micron reported a 66% water reuse, recycling, and restoration rate. The water management system reclaims water from wafer cleaning and other processes for reuse in boilers, cooling towers, pollution abatement equipment, and additional operations.

Micron reported completed water restoration projects in multiple regions, including 2.98 million cubic meters in Idaho, 4.11 million cubic meters in Virginia, 1.21 million cubic meters in Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan, and 4.02 million cubic meters in Taoyuan City, Taiwan. These initiatives align Micron's operational water strategy with local watershed restoration efforts.

Micron treats water that cannot be reused or recycled at each site using wastewater treatment infrastructure designed to meet or exceed regulatory requirements. Treatment methods vary by location and include membrane filtration, ion-resin adsorption, precipitation, bio-oxidation, and neutralization.

Micron also undertook water-related chemical management initiatives focused on reducing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). In FY24, the company collaborated with semiconductor industry groups to investigate PFAS used in manufacturing, research alternative materials, identify opportunities to reduce or eliminate PFAS use, and assess pollution prevention and treatment strategies. Additionally, Micron began integrating the Responsible Business Alliance's Industry Focus Process Chemical list into its chemical approval system to screen chemicals for potential elimination or substitution. While these actions do not yet represent a quantified PFAS reduction, they demonstrate Micron's proactive approach to addressing water-quality risks through chemical management, wastewater treatment evaluation, and industry collaboration.