IPC today unveiled a new ESG for Electronics Initiative to develop guidance for electronics manufacturers on an industry-specific approach to ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices and reporting and to develop aspirational goals that the industry is working together to achieve.  

As part of this initiative, IPC has engaged electronics industry leaders and ESG experts to develop and distribute guidance on key aspects of reporting that demonstrate a commitment to ESG principles. This guidance is intended to help the industry meet ESG goals by providing industry-specific definitions, benchmarks, self-assessments and recommendations.

In developing its guidance, IPC will employ practices similar to its global standards development process/protocol. Members of the ESG for Electronics Steering Group will review initial proposals and existing methodologies, and direct working sub-groups to establish, refine and finalize guidance specifics.

“This initiative truly reaffirms our industry’s commitment to build electronics better,” said John Mitchell, IPC president and CEO. “And to build electronics better, manufacturers must do so with awareness and responsibility to environment, social, and corporate governance factors, fully integrating them into their business core. IPC’s ESG for Electronics initiative will weave together existing and bold, new industry activities to support industry engagement on a range of societal concerns, including circularity and our renewed efforts towards eco-design and raw materials management.”

To view additional information on IPC’s ESG for Electronics Initiative, including an ESG FAQ and call for steering group participation, go to www.ipc.org/esg-electronics.

In a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, IPC applauds the Biden administration’s early directions on manufacturing policy and maps a detailed policy agenda to drive growth and resilience in electronics manufacturing.

“Your call for a resurgence in U.S. manufacturing signals a federal commitment that is sorely needed and long overdue,” wrote IPC President and CEO John Mitchell. “The U.S. Government needs to move beyond rhetorical support and provide meaningful and tangible programs that collectively constitute a coordinated, bipartisan vision for the future of manufacturing.” 

The letter outlines policy recommendations in five key areas, including:

1. Strengthen the defense electronics industrial base.
   1. Implement Section 841 of the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act, which will bolster the security and resiliency of the U.S. defense electronics supply chain.
   2. Address concerns with the government’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
2. Develop and implement a strategy to promote the factories of the future.
   1. Establish an interagency manufacturing policy lead.
   2. Invest in R&D for the entire electronics ecosystem.
   3. Bring back the U.S. supply chain.
3. Expand and upskill the workforce.
   1. Support industry-recognized worker credentials.
   2. Reduce the burden for apprenticeship program implementation.
4. Rebuild trade relationships.
   1. Revive multilateral trade pacts and dispute-resolution bodies.
   2. Endorse and implement a North American Manufacturing Initiative.
5. Protect human health and the environment via practical policies and regulations.
   1. Structure regulations to build on industry best practices.
   2. Work with industry to ensure policies and regulations are based on existing data and information.

“IPC works with industry to ‘Build Electronics Better,’” Mitchell writes. “Your administration aims for the U.S. to ‘Build Back Better.’ Our shared language suggests we have a shared vision of creating skilled, well-paying jobs in a cleaner economy that renews and extends U.S. leadership in electronics manufacturing.”

View full letter here.

IPC alerted members about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final risk management rules to reduce exposure to five persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals (PBTs). The alert calls attention to the rules, which went into effect February 5, 2021, and to one of the five PBTs with a history of use in electronics: phenol, isopropylated, phosphate (3:1) (known as PIP (3:1)).

The final rule for PIP (3:1) prohibits the processing and distribution of this chemical substance and products containing this chemical substance as of March 8, 2021. There are some exceptions to the prohibition, for example, for new and replacement parts for automotive and aerospace industries, however, there are no electronics industry exceptions.

As a chemical that can perform several functions simultaneously, sometimes under extreme conditions, PIP (3:1) has several distinctive applications: It is used as a plasticizer; a flame retardant; an anti-wear additive; or an anti-compressibility additive in hydraulic fluid, lubricating oils, lubricants and greases, various industrial coatings, and in adhesives and sealants. PIP (3:1) is also used in plastic-containing materials that are used to form tubes, harnesses, cables, sleeves, gaskets, and covers of parts – parts that are used in electrical or electronic products.

IPC seeks out member input on the EPA final rule, requesting information on how the final rule may adversely affect supply chains for electronics manufacturers. To provide input, contact Kelly Scanlon, EHS policy and research director, at KellyScanlon@ipc.org. To view news on EPA’s final PIP (3:1) ruling and other advocacy and EHS-related information, visit www.ipc.org/ipc-advocacy.