Green Product Management
Unimicron is dedicated to implementing green product management through three principles: "compliance with green specifications and requirements," "green procurement," and "green supply chain" to set Hazardous Substances Free (HSF) quality targets. The company strictly prohibits the use of environmentally hazardous substances in products and emphasizes green materials in process design. All raw materials meet international regulations, including Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS), Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical (REACH), Directive of Packaging and Packaging Waste, China RoHS, California Proposition 65, and the Montreal Convention. Unimicron ensures that 100% of its products comply with RoHS and REACH requirements. The company continually enhances its green product standards, meeting customer expectations and adhering to international environmental regulations to fulfill its responsibility.
Green Material Committee
Unimicron, the world's second-largest PCB and carrier manufacturer by revenue, has established a Green Material Committee within its PCB and Carrier SBUs, as well as Subtron Technology's Quality Management Department, integrate quality management, materials, products, R&D, manufacturing, and business departments to ensure compliance with customer requirements and international regulations. Green materials are considered in process design, and harmful substances are strictly controlled across four major processes: quality planning, supply chain and material flow, manufacturing, and quality assurance. Internal operations are regularly evaluated, and the status and requirements of the Company's green products are continuously verified through the QC080000 management system. In case of changes to customer specifications or international regulations, we will conduct internal evaluations, adjust control standards and procedures, and notify relevant units through announcements. This ensures that products meet customer requirements and comply with laws, regulations, and green product standards, fulfilling quality requirements and customer satisfaction.
HSF Quality Policy
To uphold the four key principles of its HSF quality policy, Unimicron has established comprehensive indicators for tracking performance and achievement, ensuring policies are effectively executed and meet ustomer needs. From 2013 to 2023, we achieved a 100% success rate for HSF quality indicators and had no customer returns due to HSF non-compliance.
Unimicron's HSF Management System Establishment
2005
- Restricted RoHS 6 Substances
2007
- Monitored Hazardous Substances in Materials and Finished Products by Handheld XRF
2008
- Acquired IECQ QC080000 Certification
- Achieved Green Partner Certification from customers (2008–2010)
2010
- Achieved Green Activity Certification
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2010~2012)
- Renewed REACH SVHC by Following Laws from 2010
2011
- Monitoring Hazardous Substances in Materials and Finished Products by Desktop XRF
- Acquired Eco-Partner Certification
2012
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2012~2014)
2014
- Manage RoHS 4 Specific Phthalates
2016
- Restricted use of RoHS 4 Specific Phthalates
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2016~2018)
2018
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2018~2020)
2019
- Achieved IECQ QC080000:2017 Certification
2020
- Unimicron Technology (Suzhou) achieved IECQ QC080000:2017 Certification
2021
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2021~2023)
2023
- Achieved Green Partner Certification (2023~2026)
HSF Quality Indicators and Performance
| Indicator | Unit | 2023 Targets | 2023 Achievements | 2024 Targets |
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| Number of Returned Goods Due to HSF Non-Conformity | case | 0 | 100 | 0 |
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| Real-Time Update Completion Rate of International and Customer on Hazardous Substance Regulations | % | 100 | 100 | 100 |
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| Inspection Pass Rate of Hazardous Substance Inspections from Incoming Materials to Shipping, and by Third-Party | % | 100 | 100 | 100 |
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| Improvement Rate of HSF Deficiencies from Regular and Irregular Internal/External Audits | % | 100 | 100 | 100 |
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| Completion Rate of HSF Regular Training | % | 100 | 100 | 100 |
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Hazardous Substances Management
All raw materials, packaging, and chemicals used in the manufacturing process are managed comprehensively. Committed to our responsibilities, we avoid banned substances, comply with laws and regulations, meet customer requirements, and aim to minimize environmental impact. Our measures cover sourcing, processing, and finished products, ensuring compliance with international standards and customer requirements while aiming to mitigate environmental and social risks associated with our products' life cycle.
1Source
Management
Implementation Measures
2023 Results
- Establish and regularly update the Hazardous Substance List
- Register and evaluate raw materials; conduct chemical audits during procurement
- Require suppliers to provide a third-party inspection report, updated annually
- Develop hazardous substance reduction plans in line with regulations and customer requirements
- Use only materials approved by the Green Material Committee
- Approximately 1,093 items are on the raw material management list
- New raw materials are 100% reviewed
- The compliance rate of RoHS testing is 100%
- Suppliers’ third-party testing reports a pass rate of 100%
- 100% green material procurement rate (in compliance with RoHS)
2
Process
Management
- Test incoming materials for hazardous substances using XRF analyzers
- Implement "halogen-free" and "lead-free" standards throughout production unless otherwise specified by the customer
- Identify and manage customer-specified materials throughout the process: from receipt, through manufacturing, to warehousing of finished products
- Ensure all processes—purchase, unloading, handling, disposal, use, storage, labeling, and Chemical Dispense System operations—comply with chemical safety management
- 4,268 incoming materials passed XRF testing with a 100% success rate
- No major chemical accidents
3
Product
Testing
- Test incoming products for hazardous substances using XRF analyzers
- Annually, main finished products are tested by a third-party with ISO 17025 certification for RoHS and other hazardous substances
- Regularly survey customer satisfaction with HSF quality to drive continuous improvement
- Products achieved a 100% pass rate in third-party inspections
- 4,664 finished products passed XRF testing with a 100% success rate
- Customer satisfaction with HSF quality is rated at 4.7, surpassing the target of 4.4 (out of 5)
Source Management
To manage green product sourcing, Unimicron has implemented comprehensive internal controls and guidelines for hazardous substances. This includes a raw material audit mechanism, the use of the E-Pr system, and annual updates of third-party testing reports from suppliers. We have issued green procurement requirements and a conflict minerals investigation form, requiring suppliers to confirm compliance with banned and restricted substances. Materials must adhere to EU regulations such as RoHS and REACH, be halogen-free, and ensure conflict-free minerals, upon passing our internal audit, are listed in the Qualified Materials List. For specific customer requirements, we align with their control standards and supplier regulations, guaranteeing "100% compliance with international regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements for green products."
Review Process
Control Measure
Hazardous Substance List and Reduction Plan
In line with RoHS, REACH SVHC, IEC 62474, and customer or other international regulations, we develop a Hazardous Substance Control List and reduction plan to manage listed substances. When necessary, we monitor the hazardous substances list and reduction plan to implement reductions or declarations as required by customers.
REACH Compliance Declaration
We assess suppliers' compliance with REACH and manage raw material sources accordingly.
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Operational Procedures
To regulate the Standard Operating Procedures of division for managing hazardous substances.
Raw Material Survey
Unimicron's commitment to green products is reflected in its pledge to ensure "100% compliance with international regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements." To meet RoHS and REACH standards, Unimicron manages sourcing and finished products according to these specifications and requires suppliers to verify compliance with hazardous substances. In 2023, Unimicron managed and audited 2,030 RoHS reports from suppliers in Taiwan, including 1,145 for direct materials, 706 for indirect materials, and 179 for packaging materials, achieving a 100% completion rate.
Hazardous Substance Control
To enforce green product management and ensure product safety, Unimicron prohibits using environmentally hazardous substances in all products. We comply with EU regulations (e.g., RoHS, REACH, IEC 62474), a total of 11 regulations, and customer regulations. In 2023, we reviewed 184 customer specifications in Taiwan. The restricted substances list, based on laws and customer regulations, includes 1,093 items, with major entries from GADSL (276 items) and Prop 65 (982 items). Details of the relevant regulations are available on the official website.
Unimicron's products are integral to complex electronic systems, with primary customer concerns focused on EU REACH SVHC and RoHS hazardous substances restrictions. We prioritize using green materials that meet regulatory and customer requirements. Under customer regulations for green materials, aside from those specified by the customer, three major hazardous substances are present in products: brominated flame retardants, bisphenol A, and PFAS. According to IEC 62474 limits, revenue from products containing notifiable substances represented 26.59% of PCB revenue in 2023.
Substance Survey
Unimicron discloses hazardous substances to its customers through supplier surveys. After notifying suppliers of new hazardous substance control items, Unimicron requires suppliers to submit a letter of assurance confirming the non-use of banned and restricted substances, along with a REACH compliance declaration. This ensures adherence to legal and company regulations and tracks the use of all materials containing banned substances and SVHCs. According to the customer's material number that uses SVHC, we reply to the customer survey form and implement source management. In 2023, we collaborated with customers on investigating hazardous substances in PCB SBU and Carrier SBU in Taiwan. We conducted 732 supplier surveys, achieving a 100% response rate, and completed 1,319 customer-required hazardous substance surveys, also with a 100% completion rate.
Reduction Plan of Hazardous Substances in Products
Improvement Plan
To enhance product safety, Unimicron is committed to minimizing environmental and human health risks associated with the substances in our products. For example, Bisphenol A (BPA) is regulated by international standards and Taiwanese regulations. PCB II SBU's products 100% comply with REACH SVHC limits for BPA concentration. However, Carrier SBU's products may contain BPA, depending on the customer-specified substrate. If BPA exceeds the standard, we must inform the customer following REACH requirements.
Substitution Plan
The Carrier SBU and PCB II SBU have implemented substitution programs and phased out Cobalt (II) chloride (wetness indicator card and desiccant in packages), Arsenic trioxide, and Arsenic pentoxide.
Process Management
- Incoming materials and products are tested for hazardous substances using XRF analyzers, with 13 analyzers dedicated to controlling hazardous substances in incoming materials, products, and packaging.
- The entire production with "halogen-free" and "lead-free" materials unless customer requirements.
- Customer-specified materials are identified and managed from receipt through manufacturing and warehousing of finished products.
Operational Chemical Safety Management
To improve chemical safety management, we have established the "Chemical Management Regulations," which apply to all plants, and cover the purchasing, unloading, handling, disposal, usage, storage, labeling, and operation of the Chemical Dispense System, including:
| Mechanism | Measures | 2023 Results |
|---|
| Chemical Risk Control | - "Priority Management Chemicals" or "Controlled Chemicals" used in the plant are annually inventoried and audited. These reports are submitted to the OSHA platform to obtain permits, ensuring compliance with government regulations for chemical substance registration.
- All chemicals are stored in secondary containers to prevent leaks or spills.
- Chemical storage at workstations is limited to one day's usage.
- All drums and tanks are stored in secondary containment systems, such as dikes or spillage trays, to prevent leaks or spills.
- Emergency showers and related first aid kits, such as Diphoterine, are installed.
| - By September 30, 2023, Unimicron's 16 plants in Taiwan and its subsidiary, Subtron Technology, completed "Priority Management Chemicals" declarations.
- None of Unimicron's 16 plants in Taiwan and Subtron Technology have “controlled chemicals.”
- Chemical storage requirements in Taiwan and Mainland China have been standardized and incorporated into daily management, with 100% audit compliance.
- In addition to legally required emergency showers, Taiwan and Mainland China have installed Diphoterine storage in high-risk areas, achieving 100% completion.
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| Safety Regulations for Tank Car Loading/Unloading Operation | - Software Management: Conduct regular independent inspections of liquid leakage sensors in the tank area. Ensure that only authorized personnel unlock tank cars before operation. During supply operations, personnel must wear acid and alkali-resistant chemical protective clothing. After chemical supply, authorized personnel must perform a thorough inspection.
- Hardware Protection: Implement protection mechanisms for the tank, liquid level control, dosing tank, filling port, etc.
| - Tank car loading/unloading operations were audited in Taiwan and Mainland China, with 512 audits completed in 2023. All identified deficiencies in chemical management and legal requirements were addressed, achieving 100% compliance.
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| Chemical Dispense System (CDS) in New Plant | - Occupational Disaster Prevention: Implement an automatic Chemical Dispense System and design storage cabinets with electric control switches for various medications, equipped with leakage protection to mitigate the risk of electrical induction.
- Fire Prevention: Segregate storage by acid/alkali nature to prevent chemical reactions.
- Chemical Accident Prevention: Building preventive measures such as automatic Chemical Dispense System and foolproof design mechanism.
| - 100% of the newly built plant (Hsinnong Plant)
- Other new plants under construction
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| Workplace Monitoring | - Environmental Monitoring: Every six months, each plant compiles reports on specialty chemicals, organics, dust, noise, and lighting, along with the locations of checkpoints, to monitor the working environment and ensure employee safety.
- Announce the environment monitoring program and results semi-annually.
| - In 2023, we monitored 5,657 physical and chemical factors in Taiwan and Mainland China. Of these, 30 abnormalities were due to excessive noise levels. As a corrective measure, earplugs are now mandatory.
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| Health Examination | - Employees receive annual general and specialized health exams.
| - Please refer to Chapter 6.4.
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| Personal Protective Equipment | - Develop PPE specifications based on international standards or CNS, evaluating comfort and usability.
- Determine the type and quantity of PPE required for each workplace.
- Regularly promote and verify PPE usage to ensure compliance.
| - In 2023, we established specifications for 18 types of PPE with usage requirements, including acid and alkali-resistant gowns, boots, protective clothing, respiratory protection, heat-resistant, insulated, and cold-resistant gloves, as well as firefighter protective clothing (caps, shoes, head coverings, and gloves).
- Unimicron and its subsidiaries in Mainland China completed 3-Gen audits and a headquarters audit, achieving 100% completion.
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| Chemical Detection Systems | - Install fixed gas detectors and alarms in areas with specialty chemicals to ensure safety.
- Conduct annual inspections, maintenance, repairs, testing, and calibration of detectors.
| - A total of 412 devices were installed across plants in Taiwan and Mainland China. In 2023, 23 new devices were installed and integrated into the plant's unified calibration control system.
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Product Testing
To ensure compliance with green product standards, Unimicron tests incoming materials and products for hazardous substances using XRF analyzers. Additionally, we sample products for hazardous substance testing to third party annually to ensure compliance with requirements. In 2023, the Carrier SBU focused on the 10 substances of RoHS, including halogen (F, Cl, Br, I), antimony (Sb), beryllium (Be), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Phthalates (DINP, DNOP), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). The PCB II SBU focused on 10 substances of RoHS and halogens (Cl, Br). All tests met legal and internal requirements. For detailed reports, please refer to the ESG website.
| Analysis Type | Analysis Content | RoHS Directive | Halogen-Free Specification | Others |
|---|
| Outsourced Precision Testing | Finished goods | Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr6+, PBBs, PBDEs, BBP, DBP, DIBP, DEHP | Br, Cl | Sb, Be, PFOS, PFOA, HBCDD, DINP, DNOP |
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| X-ray Fluorescence Analyzer Detection | Raw materials, finished products, packaging materials | Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr | Br, Cl | Sb, As |
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Most of the raw materials used by Unimicron in each product category are copper foil, build-up materials, and a small amount of chemicals. The weight ratios are as follows:
| Product Category | Copper Foil(wt%) | Build up Materials (wt%) |
|---|
| Chip Scale Package (CSP) | 1~30 | 15~45 |
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| Flip-Chip-Ball Grid Array (FCBGA) | 1~20 | 30~48 |
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| Printed Circuit Board (PCB) | 25~30 | 55~65 |
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| Light Emitting Diode Substrate (LED) | 1~12 | 38~76 |
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Finished Product Inspections
To ensure that the products produced by Unimicron comply with the green product standards, we sample products to the third party for hazardous substance testing every year to ensure that the products meet the hazardous substance management requirements.
2024 Product Test Report
2023 Product Test Report
2022 Product Test Report
The list of international directives list
| # | Regulations/Codes/Standards | No. | Release Date |
|---|
| 1 | The Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment, RoHS | 2011/65/EU (EU)2015/863 | 2011/7/1 2015/6/4 |
| 2 | Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and restriction of Chemicals, REACH | (EC) No 1907/2006 | 2022/1/17 |
| 3 | Waste Framework Directive, WFD (include Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products) | (EU) 2018/851 | 2018/6/14 |
| 4 | Packaging and Packaging Waste, PPW | 2013/2/EU | 2013/9/30 |
| 5 | Persistent Organic Pollutants, POPs | (EU) 2019/1021 | 2019/6/19 |
| 6 | Toxic Substances Control Act, TSCA | 40 CFR 751.401-751.413 | 2021/3/8 |
| 7 | End-of-life Vehicle, ELV | EU 2000/53/EC EU 2002/525/EC | 2000/10/21 2002/6/27 |
| 8 | Global Automobile Declarable Substance List（GADSL） | GADSL REFERENCE LIST | 2022/2/1 |
| 9 | ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARD ASSESSMENT SAFE DRINKING WATER AND TOXIC ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1986 | Prop65 | 2022/2/25 |
| 10 | Rotterdam Convention Declaration | | 2004/2/24 |
| 11 | Material Declaration for Products of and for the Electrotechnical Industry | | |
Note 1: • Level 1: The substances and/or their purposes classified at this level those whose use must be banned immediately.
• Level 2: The substances and/or their purposes classified at this level those for which a period for phase-out is individually set.
• SVHC: Substance of Very High Concern, Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.
Note 2: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) not be suitable for Unimicron cause the products made by Unimicron are not end-user products.
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