The SUMCO Group's Business Activities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Silicon wafer products from SUMCO are not seen first-hand in everyday life, but they are essential to the manufacturing of the semiconductor devices equipped in all manner of electronic products that enrich our lives.
To fulfill our responsibilities as one of the companies supporting social infrastructure, SUMCO utilizes the SDGs as indicators of the medium-to-long-term demands of the international community and makes every effort to realize a sustainable society.
SUMCO Products that Support Our Lives
Data Centers (Server Rooms)
With smartphones and computers becoming increasingly sophisticated and the expanding use of generative AI, vast quantities of data in the form of high-quality photographs and videos are being processed in the cloud and stored in data centers. SUMCO’s high-precision leading-edge silicon wafers are used for the memory and logic chips that store and process these enormous volumes of data.
Automobiles
Numerous semiconductor devices are at work inside motor vehicles. An extremely high level of quality and reliability is required for silicon wafers to be used for motor control in electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles (HV/ PHV) and for driver assistance systems such as self-driving, automatic braking and lane-keeping functions.
Smartphones, Tablets, Computers
Large numbers of cutting-edge semiconductors are used in telecommunications equipment including logic chips to run various applications such as email and internet browsing, image sensors for capturing images, and memory to store data. Every year, the functions of these semiconductors become more sophisticated, and they are made using SUMCO silicon wafers.
IoT / Digital Appliances
IoT devices, including wearable devices and digital appliances that can be operated via smartphone, are connected to the internet. SUMCO’s silicon wafers are used in the data communication semiconductors and sensors equipped in these devices.
Cameras
Digital cameras record precious memories while security cameras protect public safety. As the “eye” of these cameras in taking videos and images, semiconductor devices called image sensors are used. The high quality and reliability of these image sensors are also supported by SUMCO’s silicon wafers.
Trains, Bullet Trains
Devices called power semiconductors are used to control electric power. These devices are technically complex and require reliable control of large amounts of power and power saving performance, making this a specialized field. Power supply control for heavy electric machinery, in particular, such as electric trains that use power of over 1000V, requires special know-how for the silicon wafers, as well.
Medical Equipment
In the medical field, medical equipment has continued to evolve, with the advent of high-precision diagnostic imaging equipment and surgery robots capable of precise control. A large number of silicon wafers are used in these medical devices, and the silicon wafers that serve as their substrates require high reliability, especially as human lives are involved. SUMCO’s silicon wafers contribute to the advance of medicine.
SUMCO's products are also used in other areas.
Contributing to the SDGs Through Our Products
-
Contributing to the digital infrastructure supporting our daily lives
Silicon wafers that serve as the basic materials for semiconductor devices used in a wide range of areas including computers, communications equipment, automobiles, digital appliances, data centers, medical equipment, urban infrastructure and smart card devices
Creating innovation
Silicon wafers that support the miniaturization of semiconductors to usher in an era of industrial and technical innovation, and the utilization of big data, through IoT, AI and robots
-
-
Contributing to reduce traffic accidents
Silicon wafers for the automotive semiconductor devices supporting driver assistance systems such as self-driving and automatic braking
Contributing to make cities secure and safe
Silicon wafers for security cameras, communication network tools utilized in smart grid system and various IoT tools
-
-
Contributing to improved energy efficiency
Silicon wafers for power-saving devices used in automobiles, trains/bullet trains, power generation facilities and so forth
Contributing to curb greenhouse gas emissions
- Silicon wafers for IGBTs which are utilized for electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles (HV, PHV)
- Silicon wafers for power-management devices which are utilized for renewable energy generation system such as solar power and wind power
-
Contributing to the SDGs Through Business Processes
-
Promoting eco-friendly corporate activities
-
-
Supporting the success of women in the workplace
-
-
Promoting a safe and secure working environment
-
-
Promoting compliance and fair business activities
-
-
Support activities for Non-Profit Organizations, welfare institutions, and other facilities
-
About the SDGs
SDGs, or the Sustainable Development Goals, refer to the goals laid at in "Agenda 2030", which was adopted at the "United Nations Sustainable Development Summit" in September 2015. The SDGs comprise 17 goals and 169 targets to be achieved by the year 2030.
The goals and targets of the SDGs comprehensively deal with the various issues faced in the areas of the economy, industry and society. As the central figures of economic activities, companies are expected to play a key role as one of the main parties responsible for achieving the SDGs.
- To learn more about the SDGs, check the appropriate sections on the United Nations website, starting with the "Sustainable Development Goals Knowledge Platform".