The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has bestowed upon EFC Gases & Advanced Materials a distinguished 2024 Sustainability Leadership Award, acknowledging their groundbreaking efforts in the field of environmental protection. EFC’s remarkable Neon Gas Recycling System has garnered wide acclaim for its innovative approach to addressing critical environmental challenges in semiconductor manufacturing.
Neon, a crucial component in deep-ultraviolet (DUV) lithography and laser light production, has faced supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental concerns. Traditional neon extraction from liquid air through cryogenic distillation requires significant energy consumption and leaves a substantial carbon footprint.
EFC’s system tackles these challenges head-on by capturing and recycling spent neon gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. This ingenious solution ensures a stable neon supply, reduces carbon dioxide emissions by displacing neon production, and minimizes resource waste. By implementing this system, fabs can potentially reduce over one million metric tons of Scope 3 carbon dioxide emissions per facility over the next two decades, aligning with the semiconductor industry’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Chris Jahn, President & CEO of ACC, commended EFC’s initiative, emphasizing its impact not only on the company’s operations but also as an exemplary model for the industry. He expressed ACC’s delight in recognizing EFC Gases and Advanced Materials for their outstanding sustainability achievements, inspiring others to follow suit.
The ACC’s Sustainability Leadership Awards serve as a platform to celebrate member companies for their contributions to sustainability across four key areas: Product Safety, Innovation & Transparency; Environmental Protection; Circularity; and Social Responsibility & Community Engagement. An esteemed judging panel of external sustainability leaders from academia, nonprofits, and media sectors meticulously reviewed and selected the award winners based on innovation, impact scope, and adherence to ACC’s Sustainability Principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
EFC’s President and CEO, echoing the company’s pride in receiving the award, acknowledged the tireless efforts and ingenuity of the entire team. He highlighted the Neon Gas Recycling System as a testament to EFC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and operational efficiency, underscoring their dedication to finding solutions that protect the planet.
EFC Gases & Advanced Materials, a company dedicated to supplying high-purity electronic and specialty gases as well as other critical materials, supports a wide range of industries, including semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, lighting, window fabrication, and electric utilities. Their commitment to excellence shines through in their rigorous global sourcing standards and cutting-edge metrology processes, ensuring unparalleled product purity and integrity. Moreover, EFC offers customized gas recovery and recycling systems, empowering their clients to achieve unprecedented levels of operational efficiency and sustainability. At the heart of their mission lies a devotion to transformative chemistry and technology, delivering solutions that harmoniously advance both business and environmental goals.
