Trouble in Your Tank: Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘Growth Hacker Marketing’
Happy’s Tech Talk #38: Novel Metallization for UHDI
Recycling PCBs: How NCAB is Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
February 22, 2024 | Jan Pedersen, NCAB GroupEstimated reading time: 1 minute
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.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: Key Considerations for Reliability, Performance, and Compliance in PCBs
05/01/2025 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsAs a field application engineer with many years of experience, I’ve conducted thousands of designs for manufacturing (DFM) analyses on printed circuit boards (PCBs). From basic one-layer boards to complex high density interconnect (HDI) designs, I’ve provided technical advice across a wide spectrum of technologies.
OKI Develops 124-Layer PCB Technology for Next-Generation AI Semiconductor Testing Equipment
04/28/2025 | BUSINESS WIREOKI Circuit Technology, the OKI Group printed circuit board (PCB) company, has successfully developed 124-layer PCB technology for wafer inspection equipment designed for next-generation high bandwidth memory, such as HBM mounted on AI semiconductors.
Linkage Technologies, Inc. Celebrates 10 Years of Excellence in PCB Solutions
04/22/2025 | Linkage Technologies, Inc.Linkage Technologies, Inc., a premier provider of printed circuit boards (PCBs) sourced from Asia, proudly marks its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of exceptional growth, unwavering commitment to quality, and dependable delivery.
Global PCB Connections: The Next Wave of HDI PCBs– How Design Engineers Can Stay Ahead
04/17/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsHigh density interconnect (HDI) printed circuit boards have come a long way from their origins as a niche technology for miniaturized applications. Today, HDI PCBs are at the forefront of innovation, driven by an insatiable demand for faster, smaller, and more powerful electronic devices. As consumer electronics, 5G infrastructure, and AI-driven systems advance, design engineers must stay ahead of the curve to ensure their PCB designs meet evolving industry demands.
IDTechEx Highlights Recyclable Materials for PCBs
04/10/2025 | IDTechExConventional printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing is wasteful, harmful to the environment and energy intensive. This can be mitigated by the implementation of new recyclable materials and technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize electronics manufacturing.