Silicon chips are embedded in various ways and utilized in our daily lives- think smartphones, televisions, electric cars, and wind turbines. As demand for these types of technology increases, the large carbon footprint of the semiconductor industry has become apparent. We are at a paradox. While the semiconductor industry is responsible for innovating our technology to meet climate goals, the manufacturing process uses massive amounts of energy and water and creates hazardous waste.

Ccilu headquarters is based in Taiwan. According to Greenpeace, Taiwan is home to the world’s largest chipmaker, responsible for almost 5% of Taiwan’s electricity. While chipmakers around the globe look for ways to utilize greener gases and decrease water and energy consumption, companies like Ccilu are finding ways to upcycle hazardous waste into shoes! Without proper waste management, the environmental impact of this waste includes salt pollution, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, organic pollutants, and heavy metal pollution.