Marcy’s Musings: Advancing the Advanced Materials Discussion
The Marketing Minute: Cracking the Code of Technical Marketing
Trouble in Your Tank: Implementing Direct Metallization in Advanced Substrate Packaging
A Parametric Approach to the Environmental Impact of PCB Fabrication
September 9, 2024 | Maarten Cauwe, imecEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Sustainability for electronics is receiving more attention due to environmental concerns, regulatory obligations, and to ensure competitiveness in a growing market for sustainable products. To facilitate the discussion on the environmental impact of electronics, there is a strong need for data on energy use, carbon footprint, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, hazardous chemicals used during manufacturing, waste generation, etc.
Hundreds of millions of different part numbers of electronic components are used in the electronics industry today on custom designed substrates using hundreds of different types of laminates and other types of substrate base materials. Electronic components are manufactured using numerous distinctive technologies, processes and materials. To assess the environmental impact of these components and their manufacturing processes, a truthful and universally accepted methodology is needed in order to gain acceptance of the results and to stimulate improvement actions.
Lifecycle assessment (LCA) is a globally accepted and standardized methodology for determining the environmental impact of a product or manufacturing process. The methodology consists of four parts: goal and scope definition, lifecycle inventory (LCI), lifecycle impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation. The LCA is structured around a functional unit. It defines what is studied and determines product boundaries and the respective inputs and outputs. The potential environmental impacts of the complete product’s lifecycle from raw material acquisition through production, use, end-of-life treatment, recycling and final disposal, is covered in a so-called cradle-to-grave LCA. In some cases, the production phase is considered the most critical or relevant, as this is often the phase the producer has the most influence on. This is called a cradle-to-gate LCA and is quite common in the case of electronics. This paper focuses on the lifecycle inventory or data collection aspect of LCA.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the August 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Testimonial
"In a year when every marketing dollar mattered, I chose to keep I-Connect007 in our 2025 plan. Their commitment to high-quality, insightful content aligns with Koh Young’s values and helps readers navigate a changing industry. "
Brent Fischthal - Koh YoungSuggested Items
InTest Receives $2.6 Million Defense Industry Order
08/06/2025 | BUSINESS WIREInTest Corporation, a global supplier of innovative test and process technology solutions for use in manufacturing and testing in key target markets which include semiconductor (semi), automotive/EV, defense/aerospace, industrial, life sciences, and safety/security, announced that it was awarded a $2.6 million order by a prime defense contractor.
Leveraging Chemical Data More Efficiently
07/29/2025 | Lynn L. Bergeson, Bergeson & CampbellSome truths transcend politics, one being that chemical data holds enduring value and is becoming increasingly essential. In the United States, regardless of which party federally controls the levers of power, it’s clear that chemical manufacturers and their customers must develop and curate robust data portfolios for their chemical inventories. The commercial imperatives driving this are undeniable and gaining traction.
STARTEAM GLOBAL Meets Global GHG Standard ISO 14064-1:2018
06/11/2025 | STARTEAM GLOBALSTARTEAM GLOBAL has announced that all of its global offices and factories have achieved the ISO 14064-1:2018 certification from BSI — recognizing the company's efforts to manage greenhouse gas emissions.
GTSMT SMT Production Lines are Transforming Modern Electronics Manufacturing
05/29/2025 | EINPresswire.comGTSMT, a prominent leader in the Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) sector, announced the introduction of cutting-edge innovations designed to tackle the evolving challenges facing the global electronics manufacturing industry.
TSMC Commits to Ambitious Carbon Reduction Path in Line with Science Based Targets Initiative
04/23/2025 | TSMCTSMC marked Earth Day by announcing its commitment to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi,) underscoring its dedication to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change. In line with SBTi, TSMC is collaborating with partners to achieve its environmental sustainability goals, embarking on an ambitious and comprehensive carbon reduction path encompassing direct, indirect and value chain emissions.