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Recycling PCBs: How NCAB is Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
February 22, 2024 | Jan Pedersen, NCAB GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
![](https://iconnect007.com/application/files/5516/9086/8978/Jan_Pedersen_2022.jpg)
In a recent article for Design007 about sustainable PCBs, my colleague Ramon Roche wrote about the various environmental regulatory requirements all of us have to meet every day. He emphasized that regulations are used as a starting point. He stated, “We also require our suppliers to comply with local social and environmental regulations and be ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, where applicable.”
The ambition to create sustainable printed circuit boards (PCBs) is a continuous effort, and no single regulation makes a complete solution. However, applying all these standards together can help to create the most sustainable PCB possible.
Regulations are there to move the world in a direction, but in reality, the most significant effect is ensuring we efficiently use existing technologies and services. These regulations can be considered starting points instead of endpoints. We see that the industry can aim for more: We want to see actual steps toward a fully recyclable PCB, whether that is achieved through closed-loop processes or environmentally friendly end-of-life disposal.
The escalating use of electronic products has led to a critical environmental issue known as electronic waste. Among the key contributors to this waste stream are PCBs. As a result, the concept of PCB recyclability has gained significant traction within NCAB, driven by technological advancements and a growing environmental consciousness.
We have a strong commitment to sustainability and want to help others consider advancing the concept of circularity in PCB production and amplifying its significance in creating more sustainable PCBs. This is not without challenges, which include recycling PCBs and the potential of reusing organic PCB residues for new products. We see promising technologies that give us confidence that we can achieve fully recyclable PCBs and we highlight one of those projects in this article.
To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the Winter 2024 issue of IPC Community, click here.
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Fresh PCB Concepts: Understanding Your Export-controlled PCBs
07/18/2024 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsThere’s a lot of confusion in the industry about how to handle and manage export-controlled PCBs. Navigating this landscape can be daunting, but understanding the key regulations and restrictions is crucial for compliance and efficient production. With U.S. factories reaching capacity in many areas, many people don’t realize they can export PCBs controlled by Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and in many cases, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). They should be aware there is rigorous compliance in place and that the U.S. government sanctions these exports.
The Big Picture: The Shift From China to Southeast Asia
07/16/2024 | Mehul Davé -- Column: The Big PictureThe forecast for PCB growth over the next 10 years is strong. As an indispensable interconnect electronics part, PCBs are currently in high demand for several industries and will be for the foreseeable future. As the PCB industry grows, a significant trend is the gradual relocation of manufacturing facilities from China to Southeast Asia. This shift is driven by several factors, including rising labor costs in China, trade tensions, and the need for diversification of supply chains.
Letter of Urgency to the PCB Industry Gets Massive Response
07/09/2024 | EIPCThe EIPC have received overwhelming support for our Letter of Urgency calling for assistance to the European PCB industry.
The New Chapter: Artificial Intelligence in PCB Design
07/08/2024 | Hannah Grace & Paige Fiet -- Column: The New ChapterWith the rapid advancements in modern technology, a new era of PCB design is emerging, which includes the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). AI and ML have been all the rage in the news as they are becoming indispensable tools across various industries. Integrating AI and ML into the PCB design process not only elevates workflows and processes but also enhances the reliability and performance of products developed by the electronics industry.
Merlin Circuit Technology Receive NADCAP Recertification
06/24/2024 | Merlin Circuit TechnologyMerlin Circuit Technology Limited is pleased to announce they have been awarded Nadcap Merit status.