Circular Electronics – Is that possible?

Jan Pedersen from NCAB set the ambition high already from the start by taking us through the latest on what is already on the market and what is being tested right now. We looked at sustainable PCB materials from recycled materials (Shengyi) to jute (Jiva) and paper based alternatives (Papershell) and the respective properties. We also looked into ways to measure and rate sustainability properties and electronics LCA. 

Another strategy to reduce the impact of electronics is removing the need for energy from the grid and instead use sources available such as light, vibration, or temperature to power the small electronic sensors we are becoming so dependent on. Cristina Rusu from RISE and Anders Elwing from Epishine took us into the wonders and opportunities of the energy harvesting world.

The rest of the day was spent in deep conversations between experts and touring the Printed Electronics Arena where Astrid Armgarth showcased the printing labs and the vast array of applications they develop and test. Roman Armgarth invited us to the secret rooms of Dry Phase Patterning and showed how their patented technology for flexible circuit board manufacturing can dramatically reduce both cost and sustainability impact.  

So, did we get an answer to the question? Yes, it is possible in the long term. In the meantime, key strategies to drive towards circularity includes: Making it easy to remove electronics components for repair or recycling, Continue development of alternative PCB materials and new technologies in printed electronics, Improve recycling capabilities and drive development of second hand markets for recycled materials such as gold and rare earth minerals.  

We ended in agreeing to move forward to further explore the possibilities in recycling rare earth minerals from magnets. If you want to join this conversation, give us a shout!