New manufacturing process promises faster, cheaper product

InTech, Oct 2000

Essex Junction, Vt.-IBM hopes a new manufacturing process called copper metalization will allow its Essex Junction semiconductor chip plant to produce environmental benefits and faster, more energy-efficient products.

The move will result in significant reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases known as perfluorinated compounds, IBM officials said. A key cost-saving benefit is the promotion of the copper metalization process, which IBM said is about 30% to 40% more energy efficient than the previously used one and produces a chip that is approximately 25% more energy efficient.

To run this process, IBM seeks flexibility from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which characterize wastewater treatment sludge. Because the sludge produced from this new process does not contain hazardous materials, IBM proposes the copper metalization process be exempt from the RCRA regulations. This project will provide for environmental protection, innovation and competitiveness in the world market. An agreement was reached under EPA's Project XL, which stands for "eXcellence and Leadership," a national initiative that tests innovative ways of achieving better and more cost-effective public health and environmental protection.