Educate – Sort – Recycle

FOSB & FOUP

Learn how Gee Hoe Seng Pte Ltd (GHS) handles the reuse and recycling of FOSB and FOUP containers in Singapore responsibly and efficiently.

FOSB (Front Opening Shipping Box) and FOUP (Front Opening Unified Pod) are specialized containers used in the semiconductor industry to store and transport silicon wafers. These precision-engineered units protect wafers from contamination and mechanical damage during automated handling and transport.

As semiconductor manufacturing technology evolves, many FOSBs and FOUPs reach the end of their usable lifespan. Through reuse and responsible recycling, GHS helps extend their life cycle, reduce plastic waste, and support sustainability within the semiconductor supply chain.

Stacked FOSB and FOUP plastic containers collected for recycling from the semiconductor industry in Singapore.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Is it Recyclable?

Yes — FOSB and FOUP containers are reusable and recyclable.

These containers are typically made from high-grade engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), designed to withstand heat and repeated handling.

At GHS, we prioritize reuse before recycling — ensuring that serviceable FOSBs and FOUPs are repurposed wherever possible before being sent for material recovery.

Educate – Sort – Recycle

Why and What Parts Can Be Recycled?

Discover how FOSB and FOUP containers can be reused or recycled, the materials that can be recovered, and the factors that affect their recyclability.

Here’s why recycling works

  • Reusing containers reduces the need for new manufacturing and cuts plastic waste.
  • Recycling end-of-life containers allows recovery of high-quality engineering plastics.
Recyclable
  • 200 mm (8-inch) FOSB / FOUP containers
  • 300 mm (12-inch) FOSB / FOUP containers

What limits recyclability

  • Label adhesive and surface residues prevent clean processing.
  • Chemical contamination requires special handling and decontamination.
  • Mixed plastic materials lower purity and recovery efficiency.
Not Recyclable
  • Containers with chemical residues or wafer debris
  • Cracked, melted, or contaminated plastic housings

Note: Before collection, remove all stickers, tape, and labels and ensure containers are clean and dry. Where possible, GHS promotes reuse before recycling — FOSBs and FOUPs can often be used at least once more before final recycling.

Additional Information
1) Loads containing contaminated or labeled containers may incur handling or disposal charges to cover cleaning and sorting costs.
2) Mixed batches (different sizes or types) may be subject to reduced weight valuation due to manual sorting requirements.

How to Prepare Before Collection / Drop-Off

  • Sort by type and size – Separate 200 mm and 300 mm containers.

  • Remove stickers and labels – Ensure all adhesive residues are cleaned off.

  • Inspect for contamination – Ensure no chemical residue, wafer debris, or tape remains.

  • Keep clean and dry – Prevent moisture or dust buildup before collection.

  • Do not send contaminated containers.