TSMC’s Eco-Friendly Initiatives Restore Wildlife Around Taiwan Fabs, Highlighted With ‘Ji Mi’ Honey

At the 2025 Asia Pacific Sustainability Expo, TSMC showcased its growing commitment to environmental stewardship, revealing that its eco-friendly measures have not only reduced industrial impact but also helped restore wildlife populations around its Taiwan semiconductor fabs.

The world’s largest chipmaker, which consumes vast amounts of land and water for wafer fabrication, is increasingly emphasizing its responsibility to balance high-tech manufacturing with ecosystem preservation. At the event, TSMC’s SVP of Corporate Sustainability presented the company’s exclusive “Ji Mi” honey jars, created in collaboration with local beekeepers and Tunghai University. These honey jars symbolize the harmony between advanced semiconductor production and thriving local biodiversity.

TSMC highlighted that, while it continues to push out next-generation process nodes, it is equally focused on ensuring its fabs coexist with the natural environment. The honey project is just one example of how its sustainability strategy has yielded tangible results.

According to company officials, the firm’s environmental efforts have supported the return of endangered species around its water fabs. This progress stems from a combination of green manufacturing practices and water conservation strategies, which are critical given how essential water is to chip production steps such as lithography, etching, deposition, and polishing.

Water has long been a key challenge for TSMC’s operations, especially during Taiwan’s drought periods. The company reported significant improvements, including:

• 90% water recovery rate at its 12-inch fabs

• Plans to reach a 30% recycled water replacement rate by 2030

These steps not only conserve resources but also minimize disruption to local water ecosystems.

The honey jars presented at the expo aren’t just a PR gesture - they reflect the real, measurable return of pollinators and broader wildlife populations around TSMC facilities. In a symbolic twist, while fab workers may build the world’s most advanced chips, it’s the bees around them that have been the most visible ambassadors of TSMC’s environmental efforts.

Do you think major tech manufacturers should follow TSMC’s lead and invest more directly in ecological restoration alongside their sustainability goals?