Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
Roadmapping Sustainability: Paving the way for Eco-friendly Electronics
March 10, 2025 | iNEMIEstimated reading time: 1 minute
In light of ongoing climate challenges, the electronics industry is poised for a transformative shift driven by heightened consumer and corporate awareness of sustainable practices and circularity. iNEMI (International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative) enlisted the help of the electronics industry to roadmap that transformation in electronics manufacturing. This article provides an overview of the resulting sustainable electronics roadmap and how to get involved.
The coming transition to sustainable electronics is in both technology and market structure and must address the three Ps of sustainability:
- Planet: Environmental sustainability for minimizing emissions, including greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing resource usage, and protecting biodiversity.
- People: Social sustainability addressing human rights, social justice and equality.
- Prosperity: Economic sustainability, managing resources and systems in a way that supports long-term economic growth.
The shift is catalyzed by various factors, including stringent regulations, consumer demand for eco-friendly products, and the realization that the traditional linear model of electronics production and disposal is no longer tenable.
Government policy and regulation is just one element informing corporate approaches to sustainability. Instead, there is a broader range of key stakeholders:
Consumers/service suppliers
Increasingly aligning their purchasing decisions with their values for a greener future.
Shareholders
Increasingly motivated by a combination of ethical, financial, and strategic drivers. Regulatory compliance and near-term profitability are just starting points:
- From an ethical standpoint, shareholders recognize the need to align their investments with principles of responsible consumption and production.
- For long-term financial profitability, embracing sustainable electronics enables suppliers to tap into new market segments and cater to the burgeoning demand from environmentally conscious consumers.
- Strategically, shareholders also recognize that visibly supporting sustainability enhances brand reputation and fosters innovation in product design and manufacturing.
Government/regulatory agencies
Driven by a pressing need to address the environmental and societal challenges posed by scarce resource access, e-waste, and the broader impact of electronics on the environment.
Read the rest of this article in the Winter 2025 issue of IPC Community.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Innovating Design—IPC's Vision for the Future
04/09/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOPeter Tranitz leads the IPC Design Initiative, which aims to enhance design offerings and engage the community, including the Design Leadership Council guiding future strategies. Peter talks about the IPC-hosted European electronics design conference, featuring peer-reviewed content and global participation. IPC's design initiative also tackles challenges, such as semiconductor scaling and AI integration, focusing on innovative co-design solutions.
Tariff Uncertainty Weighs on Display Demand, Pricing, and the Supply of AMOLED Materials,
04/09/2025 | TrendForceTrendForce reports that the U.S. began implementing reciprocal tariffs on April 9th, based largely on trade deficits. Consequently, Asia—particularly Southeast Asia, a key hub for the consumer electronics supply chain—has been significantly impacted.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Exploring Ventec's Innovations
04/09/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOMark Goodwin highlights Ventec's global distribution network and recent expansions in service and equipment offerings. He emphasizes the company's expertise in coating technology for thermal management, specialized materials, and its agility in creating customized solutions for customers.
Incap US Invests in Advanced SMT Technology
04/09/2025 | IncapIncap Electronics US invested approximately USD 2 million (EUR 1.82 million) in advanced SMT (surface-mount technology) production equipment to expand its production capacity.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: Navigating Economic Headwinds in the Electronics Industry
04/08/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOShawn DuBravac, IPC Chief Economist, highlights the industry's resilience amid economic challenges, noting ongoing investment despite uncertainty and rising interest rates. Consumer behavior shows caution, with slowing spending and weakening confidence. A global economic overview reveals strengths in the U.S., challenges in China, and struggles in Europe. The discussion emphasizes the negative impact of tariffs and the importance of resilient supply chains.