Taking Steps to Tackle “Circularity” in Electronics Manufacturing
by Kelly Scanlon, IPC Lead Sustainability Strategist
Key Summary
• Circularity in electronics focuses on reducing waste through reuse, recycling, and resource efficiency
• IPC and iNEMI hosted a webinar to share insights from a workshop on defining circularity challenges
• Industry participants identified key problems including lack of data, definitions, incentives, and education
• Polling results guided formation of working groups to develop solutions through standards, tools, and advocacy
• IPC invites industry members to join efforts aimed at advancing sustainable practices in electronics manufacturing
“Circularity” – a term which means recycling, refurbishing, and reusing materials in the supply chain – and at least seven more R-words – is complex but essential for sustainability.
In the context of electronics manufacturing, circularity means closing the loop on the product life cycle, so that less waste goes into landfills and resource efficiency is maximized.
On July 17, IPC and iNEMI (the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative, a not-for-profit R&D consortium focused on future technology requirements) hosted a webinar to recap a four-hour in-person workshop held in June at the Electronics Goes Green conference in Berlin. During the workshop, more than 30 industry representatives worked together to create problem statements detailing “what is the problem, why is it a problem, and to whom?” in the context of circularity for electronics.
During the webinar, which drew more than 80 attendees, we presented the 14 problem statements from the workshop and results from a pre-workshop survey. Then, we polled the webinar attendees to have them select the first and second most important problems in circularity for electronics. This step-wise approach ensured peer review and representation from the industry.
You can get up to speed by viewing the July 17 webinar recording, the slide deck, and the poll results. We’re also glad to share the pre-workshop survey results and the workshop slide deck from 17 June at the Electronics Goes Green conference. (Check out the workshop slide deck for more information about the 10 R-words relevant to circularity!)
The results of the polling indicated that the most important problems in circularity for electronics are a lack of data; the lack of clear definitions; the lack of economic incentives; and a lack of understanding and education. Based on this real-time feedback, we were able to solicit attendees to volunteer to be part of industry-led working groups that will come together starting in September to create solutions to these problems. Solutions may include new industry standards and guidelines, better data and tools, new advocacy, or workforce educational resources. The goal is that these working groups will propose actionable solutions by the end of 2024.
Want to learn more and get involved? Contact Kelly Scanlon to join a working group; explore more issues on the IPC Sustainability for Electronics web page; and stay tuned to IPC news channels for updates. Join us as we continue to drive progress toward a more sustainable future in electronics manufacturing.
Circularity refers to reusing, refurbishing, and recycling materials to reduce waste and increase resource efficiency. In electronics, it means closing the loop on product lifecycles so fewer materials are discarded and sustainability is improved across the supply chain.
The webinar summarized discussions from an in-person workshop where industry members created problem statements related to circularity. It also allowed participants to review survey results, vote on priorities, and help shape next steps for addressing circularity challenges.
Polling highlighted four major challenges: lack of data, unclear definitions, insufficient economic incentives, and limited understanding or education. These issues hinder progress toward adopting circular practices across the electronics sector.
Individuals can contact Kelly Scanlon to join a working group, explore sustainability resources on IPC’s website, and follow IPC news channels for updates. Participation helps support industry-wide progress toward more sustainable manufacturing.