North American EMS Industry Up 10.6 Percent in November

IPC releases EMS industry results for November 2024

IPC announced today the November 2024 findings from its North American Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.18.

Total North American EMS shipments in November 2024 were up 10.6 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, November shipments were up 4.0 percent.

EMS bookings in November increased 8.1 percent year-over-year and decreased 2.7 percent from the previous month.

“EMS order volumes have slowed in recent months, but the year-to-date trend remains steady. This slowdown could signal a short-term pause as businesses wait for better clarity following the inauguration,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. 

November 2024 EMS book to bill ratio chart

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American EMS Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on EMS sales growth by type of production and company size tier, order growth and backlogs by company size tier, vertical market growth, the EMS book-to-bill ratio, 3-month and 12-month sales outlooks, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

 

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

 

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

 

IPC's monthly EMS industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of assembly equipment manufacturers selling in the USA and Canada. IPC publishes the EMS book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month. 

 

North American PCB Industry Sales Up 4.7 Percent in November

IPC releases PCB industry results for November 2024

IPC announced today the November 2024 findings from its North American Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Statistical Program. The book-to-bill ratio stands at 1.15.

Total North American PCB shipments in November 2024 were up 4.7 percent compared to the same month last year. Compared to the preceding month, November shipments were down 1.4 percent.

PCB bookings in November were up 29.1 percent compared to the same month last year. November bookings were down 13.7 percent compared to the preceding month.

“A jump in November orders pushed the PCB book-to-bill to the highest level in over two years. All eyes are now on whether this momentum carries forward into the new year,” said Shawn DuBravac, IPC’s chief economist. 

November 2024 PCB book to bill ratio chart 1
November 2024 PCB book to bill ratio chart 2

Detailed Data Available

Companies that participate in IPC’s North American PCB Statistical Program have access to detailed findings on rigid PCB and flexible circuit sales and orders, including separate rigid and flex book-to-bill ratios, growth trends by product types and company size tiers, demand for prototypes, sales growth to military and medical markets, and other timely data.

Interpreting the Data

 

The book-to-bill ratios are calculated by dividing the value of orders booked over the past three months by the value of sales billed during the same period from companies in IPC’s survey sample. A ratio of more than 1.00 suggests that current demand is ahead of supply, which is a positive indicator for sales growth over the next three to twelve months. A ratio of less than 1.00 indicates the reverse.

 

Year-on-year and year-to-date growth rates provide the most meaningful view of industry growth. Month-to-month comparisons should be made with caution as they reflect seasonal effects and short-term volatility. Because bookings tend to be more volatile than shipments, changes in the book-to-bill ratios from month to month might not be significant unless a trend of more than three consecutive months is apparent. It is also important to consider changes in both bookings and shipments to understand what is driving changes in the book-to-bill ratio.

 

IPC's monthly PCB industry statistics are based on data provided by a representative sample of both rigid PCB and flexible circuit manufacturers selling in the USA and Canda. IPC publishes the PCB book-to-bill ratio by the end of each month. 

 

 

 

IPC’s Public Policy Impact in 2024

Dec 20, 2024

By Rich Cappetto, Senior Director, IPC North American Government Relations  

 

Key Summary

• 2024 saw major U.S. policy actions that strengthened domestic electronics manufacturing, building on momentum from 2023.
• IPC’s influence grew across Congress, the White House, and key federal agencies as policymakers shifted from a “chips only” mindset to a full “silicon-to-systems” approach.
• IPC secured wins on advanced packaging, defense industrial base policy, and $45M in Senate-backed funding for domestic PCB manufacturing.
• Workforce efforts advanced through White House engagement, opposition to burdensome DOL apprenticeship rules, and expanded CHIPS-related advocacy.
• IPC’s first-ever grants program pursued nearly $70M in federal opportunities to support workforce, supply chains, and manufacturing capacity.

The most popular and enduring metaphor for the public policy process is sausage-making because it is a messy process with sometimes mysterious and unappealing ingredients. Throughout the year, the IPC Government Relations team keeps an eye on the sausage-making so you don’t have to, although we do need your help in the kitchen. Fortunately, over the last year, we’ve seen evidence that our collaborative efforts are working, setting the table for more progress going forward.  

 

A series of major actions in the United States in 2024 signaled a trend toward greater support of the domestic electronics industry – building on the remarkably successful year we had in 2023. 

 

As the Chips and Science Act of 2022 was implemented, IPC urged the U.S. Government to move from a “chips only” approach to a “silicon-to-systems” strategy. As a testament to our growing reputation and influence, IPC’s expertise was increasingly sought out by policymakers as they strategized how to secure supply chains for national defense and critical infrastructure. IPC brought the industry’s voice to the highest levels of the U.S. government on Capitol Hill, at the White House, and across the executive branch at agencies including the departments of Commerce, Labor, and Defense. 

 

Here are a few of our most notable successes of 2024. 

 

  • Advanced Packaging: The National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program (NAPMP) cited IPC’s 2021 report on advanced packaging in the agency’s published strategy to build a domestic advanced packaging ecosystem.

  • Defense Industrial Base: The Senate Armed Services Committee included IPC-recommended language in its report on the National Defense Authorization Act, directing the Department of Defense to brief Congress as to how it proposes to close industrial base gaps in electronics manufacturing.

  • Defense PCBs: The Senate Appropriations Committee included IPC’s recommended language in its report on the FY25 defense spending bill, allocating $45 million in the Defense Production Act account specifically for printed circuit board manufacturing. The report also encouraged ongoing prioritization of PCB manufacturing and future-year funding.

  • Grasstops Advocacy: Six IPC members met with more than 14 congressional offices during Impact Day 2024, including influential Members of the appropriations, commerce, armed services, and tax committees and congressional leadership to advocate for the domestic electronics industry.

  • Workforce and CHIPS: IPC CEO John W. Mitchell was invited to represent the electronics industry at a White House roundtable discussion on workforce development and the CHIPS Act with the Director of the National Science Foundation and others.

  • Apprenticeship: IPC submitted formal comments to the U.S. Department of Labor, opposing a 700-page regulation that would have added enormous administrative burdens on employers seeking to make use of apprenticeships to build their workforce. The proposed regulation was later withdrawn.

  • AI Data Centers: IPC participated in a research project with the U.S. Department of Commerce to identify risks in the supply chain for AI Data Centers. IPC’s report was referenced in the department’s subsequent findings, which recommended federal support to stimulate the domestic PCB and PCB assembly sectors.  

  • Government Grants: IPC built the association’s first-ever integrated grants program and applied for nearly $70 million in government funding opportunities to drive workforce growth, secure critical supply chains, and advance domestic manufacturing capabilities. IPC’s grants effort builds on its advocacy by ensuring the organization is positioned to capture the strategic investments that will flow from our policy wins. 

 

What were the year’s most meaningful U.S. government policy wins to you? 

 

Rest assured we will continue building on these efforts and relationships in 2025 and beyond, as we do expect a continued focus on building domestic manufacturing and shoring up critical supply chains. 

 

 

Q:
Why was 2024 significant for IPC’s public policy influence?
A:

Because policymakers increasingly recognized the need for full electronics supply chain strengthening, seeking IPC’s expertise on national security, manufacturing, and workforce issues.
 

Q:
What major defense-related accomplishments did IPC secure?
A:

Senate report language directing DoD to close electronics industrial base gaps and Senate support for $45M in Defense Production Act funding dedicated to PCB manufacturing.
 

Q:
How did IPC impact workforce and CHIPS discussions?
A:

IPC CEO John Mitchell participated in a White House roundtable, and IPC successfully opposed a burdensome DOL apprenticeship regulation that was later withdrawn.
 

Q:
What role did IPC play in advanced packaging policy?
A:

IPC’s 2021 advanced packaging report was cited in the National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program strategy, reinforcing IPC’s leadership in this domain.
 

Q:
What new organizational capability did IPC launch?
A:

IPC created an integrated grants program and applied for nearly $70M in federal funding aligned with policy wins and industry needs.

Advancing Electronics in Europe: Shaping the Industry Together in 2024

Dec 20, 2024

 

By Alison James, Senior Director, IPC European Government Relations

 

Key Summary

• IPC advanced European advocacy in 2024 through coordinated industry engagement and strategic policymaker outreach.
• A major Call to Action, supported by companies, trade associations, and the European Space Agency, highlighted critical gaps in Europe’s electronics ecosystem.
• Collaboration with journalists, think tanks, and media platforms elevated the industry’s visibility in EU competitiveness discussions.
• Enhanced digital outreach—including new European LinkedIn channels, government pages, and EU-focused videos—expanded influence across key audiences.
• Momentum continues into 2025 as the industry works to strengthen Europe’s electronics manufacturing capabilities.

 

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to share some of the successes we achieved in European advocacy for electronics manufacturing this year. Thanks to tremendous collaboration, IPC and our partners navigated an extraordinary year marked by significant global changes, including a new European Commission and European Parliament, new National Governments in place and in transition, a pending new U.S. administration, and geopolitical and economic upheaval worldwide. 

 

The industry came together with a stronger, more unified voice for the electronics manufacturing sector, and we have been heard in Brussels and capitals across Europe. Here’s a quick recap of some of the highlights from this year in Europe:

 

  • Heightening recognition by European policymakers: We ramped up our European-level engagement, holding numerous meetings with top policymakers to share our collective priorities. Coalition meetings were held with leaders including the Head of the Cabinet of Margrethe Vestager, now former Executive Vice President of the European Commission, Chief Economic Advisor to Charles Michel, former President of the European Council; and Members of the European Parliament. We also met the Advisor of Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium.
  • Uniting behind a European Call to Action: A new IPC report, “Securing the European Union’s Electronics Ecosystem,” highlighted capacity and capability gaps in Europe’s PCB and electronics assembly needs and served as the backdrop for our industry-wide Call to Action for a European Silicon to Systems Electronics Manufacturing Strategy, co-signed by 59 European electronics companies, 17 trade associations across the EU and the European Space Agency.
  • Expanding the electronics conversation in Brussels: We worked with journalists, think tanks, and other key stakeholders to raise awareness of the electronics manufacturing industry's needs. Efforts were strategically aligned with broader discussions on EU industrial priorities and competitiveness, leveraging key milestones such as Mario Draghi's report on the Future of EU Competitiveness. IPC also partnered with the influential media site Euractiv to publish thought-provoking and impactful op-eds.

Growing our European voice online: With our new European LinkedIn and government pages, we’ve reached thousands of influential people in EU circles with compelling content and updates. We also produced two EU-focused videos that tell the stories of advanced packaging and silicon-to-systems. IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell and I recently sat down to discuss how geopolitics and competitiveness are shaping the new EU term; this conversation is posted on our European government webpage. We continue to see steady growth and engagement with our online content. 

 

As much as we’ve accomplished, the work ahead is equally important. The new year will bring fresh challenges and opportunities, and together, we must ensure our industry’s voice remains loud and clear in Europe and beyond. We look forward to carrying on our momentum and making 2025 a successful year for Europe’s electronics manufacturers.

Q:
What was the main focus of IPC (Now Global Electronics Association)’s European advocacy in 2024?
A:

The focus was strengthening recognition of the electronics manufacturing sector’s needs among EU policymakers and advancing a unified industry voice.
 

Q:
What is the European Call to Action mentioned in the article?
A:

It is a collaborative industry effort, backed by companies, associations, and the European Space Agency, urging development of a Silicon-to-Systems Electronics Manufacturing Strategy for the EU.
 

Q:
How did IPC expand industry visibility in Europe?
A:

Through targeted media outreach, op-eds, engagement with think tanks, and alignment with broader EU industrial competitiveness debates.
 

Q:
What digital efforts strengthened IPC's presence in EU circles?
A:

The launch of new European LinkedIn and government pages, EU-focused videos, and ongoing content about geopolitics and competitiveness helped grow engagement.
 

IPC/WHMA Launches Groundbreaking Online Course on Wire Harness Design

IPC/WHMA is excited to announce the launch of its new online instructor-led training course, "Introduction to Wire Harness Design I," available now through the IPC EDGE Learning Management System. This two-week course provides advanced training in wire harness design, an essential skill in today's competitive wire harness assembly industry.

 

Led by Didem Üstün, a seasoned IPC/WHMA-certified expert with over a decade of industry experience, the course offers participants a deep dive into the complexities of designing, assembling, and troubleshooting wire harnesses. Üstün's expert guidance, combined with a robust curriculum that includes foundational concepts and practical, hands-on techniques, ensures that learners acquire the knowledge and skills they need to excel.

 

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 weeks

  • Format: Online, featuring live sessions twice weekly, recorded for on-demand recorded sessions.

Learning and Performance Objectives:

  • Master fundamental and advanced aspects of wire harness design, including materials selection and troubleshooting.

  • Gain practical experience through project-based learning that mimics real-world challenges.

Who Should Enroll:

  • Designers new to the field of wire harness technology.

  • Operators preparing to work with wire harness designs.

  • Industry professionals are seeking to deepen their cable and wire harness assembly expertise.

Carlos Plaza, IPC senior director of education development said, "This program is specifically designed to address the growing demand for skilled wire harness designers who can innovate and excel in an evolving industry."

Benefits of Enrolling:

  • Learn from an industry leader and become proficient in the latest industry standards, including IPC/WHMA-A-620.

  • Enhance career opportunities and readiness for industry-specific challenges.

 

Enrollment is now open, and spots are limited. To register or find more information about "Introduction to Wire Harness Design I," visit IPC's course page.

Explore our latest blog post on IPC's website to learn more about the exciting new Wire Harness Design course.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Predictions in Manufacturing, AI, and Beyond

Dec 17, 2024
| By John Mitchell

By John W. Mitchell, IPC president and CEO

Key Summary

• IPC President and CEO John W. Mitchell shares predictions for AI, sustainability, workforce trends, hiring, and electronics in 2025.
• AI in 2025 will shift toward practical, collaborative tools that enhance creativity and efficiency.
• Sustainability will become a primary differentiator as companies prioritize recyclable materials and lower carbon footprints.
• Skills and lifelong learning will outweigh degrees, with adaptability becoming the leading workplace advantage.
• Candidates will value inclusiveness, flexibility, and company ethics as much as compensation.
• The essential role of electronics in every industry will gain broader recognition thanks to IPC’s advocacy.

 

2025 written on printed circuit board

With the New Year right around the corner, it’s time to pull out the crystal ball and think about what may come to pass in the coming months. 

In my role leading IPC, the global electronics association, here are a few of my predictions for the electronics industry and some of our key issues:

Artificial Intelligence 

Prediction: If 2024 was AI’s proving ground, 2025 will be about leveling up. Think fewer dystopian fears and more tools that blend creativity and efficiency, proving collaboration is the future of work. Picture tech that’s smart, ethical, and maybe—finally—able to tell the difference between “write” and “right.” It’s about time, autocorrect. 😉 

AI will help us unlock new potential in how we collaborate—whether it’s automating the routine or sparking fresh ideas for complex problems. In 2025, AI won’t replace us; AI will feel like a true partnership—one that’s practical, intelligent, and, yes, a little more human. It will make us better at what we do.

Sustainability 

Prediction: In 2025, greener electronics will be the ultimate bragging right—and companies won’t hold back. Forget marketing claims about megapixels and screen resolution; the big flex will be shrinking carbon footprints, using recyclable materials, and adopting energy-efficient designs. 

As consumers, we’ll start asking questions like, “How sustainable is this product?” with the same enthusiasm we’ve shown for “What’s the battery life?” The best part? This shift isn’t just a win for marketing; it’s a win for the planet and the people living on it.

Workforce 

Prediction: By 2025, degrees will take a backseat to what truly matters: skills. Lifelong learning will be the name of the game. Upskilling for the AI age won’t just be possible—it’ll be accessible and, dare we say, exciting. Teams will be agile; roles will evolve with the speed of technology; and your ability to learn and adapt will be your biggest superpower in this ever-changing workplace.

Hiring 

Prediction: In 2025, new hire candidates won’t just ask about your salaries—they’ll ask about your values. A lack of inclusiveness, green practices, and flexibility will be deal-breakers. If companies want to stand out in an increasingly competitive market, they’ll need to show they’re not just in it for profit, but for people and the world. 

Smart companies will focus more on how candidates approach real-world challenges and demonstrate critical thinking. A company’s commitment to personnel development, sustainability, and authentic employee engagement will make the difference between attracting top-tier candidates or losing them to a competitor.

Electronics Industry 

Prediction: 2025 will be the year that opinion leaders start to understand that things like the internet, AI, and apps don’t happen without great electronics!  Yes, the most advanced chips are amazing, but they are just inert pieces of very expensive silicon without the most advanced interconnect technologies, which are brought to you by IPC members. 

In today’s world, our lives depend on electronics. Every industry vertical from agriculture to aerospace depends on electronics to deliver gains in efficiency, capability, and intelligence. Thanks to persistent efforts by IPC and our partners, the world will better understand that electronics are critical infrastructure and deserving of more attention and support. 

As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to reflect, recharge, and gear up for what’s next. On behalf of IPC, I wish you a holiday season full of warmth, connection, and plenty of reasons to celebrate. I’m grateful to be on this journey with the electronics industry, partners, and teammates, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the year ahead.

 

 

Q:
How does IPC view the role of AI in 2025?
A:

AI is expected to become a collaborative partner that enhances creativity, automates routine tasks, and supports smarter, more human-centered workflows.
 

Q:
Why will sustainability be a major trend in 2025?
A:

Companies and consumers will increasingly prioritize carbon footprint reduction, recyclable materials, and energy-efficient designs as core product expectations.
 

Q:
What workforce shift does IPC predict for 2025?
A:

Skills and lifelong learning will become more important than formal degrees, with rapid upskilling shaping how teams evolve.
 

Q:
How will hiring expectations change in 2025?
A:

Candidates will evaluate companies based on values, inclusiveness, sustainability, and workforce development commitments, not just salary.
 

Q:
What is the predicted perception shift for the electronics industry?
A:

Opinion leaders will better understand that innovations like AI, apps, and advanced technology cannot exist without robust electronics and interconnect systems built by IPC members.

Unlock Your Potential with IPC’s New Online Course on Wire Harness Design

Wire Harness Design I
Dec 16, 2024
| By Carlos Plaza

Key Summary

• IPC launched a new online instructor-led course, Wire Harness Design I, to meet rising industry demand.
• The course provides hands-on training in wire harness design, schematics, and industry standards.
• Taught by IPC-certified expert Didem Üstün, the program blends live instruction with practical exercises.
• Ideal for newcomers, operators, and professionals seeking advanced design skills.
• Participants earn a Certificate of Completion that supports career growth and technical advancement.

In the wire harness industry's ever-evolving landscape, the demand for skilled professionals who can design, assemble, and troubleshoot complex wire harnesses is surging. To meet this growing need, IPC introduces our latest online instructor-led course: Introduction to Wire Harness Design I. This online training program is crafted to equip emerging and seasoned professionals with the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in this critical field.

Why Wire Harness Design?

Wire harness design is critical aspect of many industries, including military, automotive, aerospace and electronics. Mastery in wire harness design enhances the reliability and efficiency of these products and propels the innovation that drives our industry forward.

What Does This Course Offer?

Led by Didem Üstün, an IPC-certified industry expert with over ten years of hands-on experience, this two-week course explores the nuances of wire harness technology. Didem’s expertise brings invaluable insights into the classroom, making complex concepts accessible and applicable.

Course Highlights Include:

  • Interactive Learning: Engage with the instructor through live sessions and benefit from interactions with colleagues also taking the course.
  • Hands-On Training: Apply what you learn through job-specific exercises and real-world design projects that simulate actual work scenarios.

Who Should Enroll?

This course is designed for a broad audience, aiming to cater to:

  • Newcomers eager to step into the world of wire harness design.
  • Experienced operators looking to refine their skills in wire harness assembly.
  • Professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and enhance their career prospects in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Key Benefits of Enrolling:

  • Advanced Skill Building: This course covers the steps of wire harness design by examining wire applications, electrical schematics and evaluating industry standards like IPC/WHMA-A-620.
  • Certification: Complete the course and earn a Certificate of Completion that acknowledges your skills and boosts your professional profile.
  • Career Advancement: The training provided better prepares participants to tackle the industry's challenges, opening doors to new opportunities and advancements.

Ready to Give Your Career a Boost?

Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your capabilities in wire harness design—a critical skill. Enroll today to secure your place in IPC’s Introduction to Wire Harness Design I. For more information and to enroll, visit our course page.

Remember, in a field where technology and techniques continuously evolve, staying updated and skilled is not just an option—it's a necessity!

Q:
Who is the Wire Harness Design I course designed for?
A:

It is built for beginners, operators, and professionals looking to strengthen wire harness design and assembly skills.
 

Q:
What skills will participants gain from this course?
A:

Learners develop capabilities in wire applications, electrical schematics, industry standards, and real-world harness design practices.
 

Q:
Is the course instructor-led or self-paced?
A:

It is fully instructor-led with live sessions and interactive learning.
 

Q:
Do students receive a certificate after completing the course?
A:

Yes, participants earn a Certificate of Completion to support their professional development.
 

Q:
How long does the course last?
A:

The training spans two weeks and includes interactive sessions plus hands-on project work.

Why Double Materiality Assessments Matter: Insights from IPC’s New White Paper

Dec 12, 2024
| By Kelly Scanlon

by Kelly Scanlon, IPC lead sustainability strategist

Key Summary

• Double materiality helps companies understand both their sustainability impacts and how sustainability issues affect financial performance
• IPC’s white paper provides a structured, step by step guide to conducting a DMA
• The CSRD requires companies to assess impact and financial materiality, making DMAs essential for compliance
• The white paper includes methodologies, regulatory insights, case studies, and stakeholder engagement guidance
• DMAs support stronger strategic decisions and long term competitiveness in the electronics industry

The concept of double materiality may seem complex at first glance, but its significance for the electronics manufacturing industry is both tangible and far-reaching. It’s about understanding how sustainability impacts your business and how your business impacts the world and then leveraging that understanding for growth and compliance.

That’s why IPC, in collaboration with global sustainability consultancy, Anthesis Group, has released a white paper titled Why Double Materiality Assessments Matter: Compliance and Competitive Advantage. This guide is for anyone navigating the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

At its core, a double materiality assessment (DMA) requires companies to take a dual approach to sustainability. This means evaluating impact materiality (how your organization affects the environment and society) and financial materiality (how sustainability-related issues affect your organization’s financial performance). This dual perspective is at the heart of the CSRD, a landmark regulation that’s reshaping sustainability reporting requirements across the globe. 

IPC’s white paper breaks down the DMA process into four key areas:

  1. Understanding the concept: Why double materiality matters and how to approach it.
  2. Structured methodologies: A step-by-step guide to conducting a DMA, from defining sustainability priorities to engaging stakeholders and validating data.
  3. Navigating regulations: Insights into the CSRD and how it aligns with global frameworks like ISSB and GRI.
  4. Engaging stakeholders: Tips for effective communication with investors, suppliers, and internal teams.

What’s more, the white paper is packed with practical information, like a glossary, FAQs, and real-world case studies. For example, imagine a European semiconductor manufacturer using a DMA to uncover risks in its supply chain, everything from responsibly sourcing raw materials to reducing production waste. Or consider a multinational tech company aligning its sustainability reporting with CSRD and ISSB standards, achieving greater transparency and efficiency across its subsidiaries.

Yes, the CSRD sets a high bar for sustainability reporting. But as Kelly Scanlon, IPC’s lead sustainability strategist and co-author of the white paper, puts it, “DMAs offer organizations value beyond just regulatory compliance. By understanding how sustainability issues affect their business—and vice versa—electronics companies can gain operational efficiencies in a competitive global marketplace.”

Mari Desangles of Anthesis agrees, “Through a double materiality assessment, companies can understand their most significant sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities, then make informed strategic decisions about how to address them.”

Whether you’re grappling with the CSRD for the first time or looking to refine your sustainability strategy, this white paper is an essential resource. It’s about more than ticking a regulatory box, it’s about setting your company up for long-term, sustainable success.

Download Why Double Materiality Assessments Matter: Compliance and Competitive Advantage.

Q:
What is double materiality in sustainability reporting?
A:

It is the dual evaluation of how a company impacts the environment and society and how sustainability issues financially impact the company.
 

Q:
Why is double materiality required under the CSRD?
A:

Because the CSRD mandates both impact materiality and financial materiality to ensure comprehensive sustainability reporting.
 

Q:
What does IPC’s new white paper help companies do?
A:

It explains DMA concepts, outlines methodologies, clarifies CSRD requirements, and provides practical tools like case studies and FAQs.
 

Q:
How can a DMA benefit electronics manufacturers?
A:

It helps identify risks, opportunities, and operational improvements across supply chains, reporting processes, and strategic planning.
 

IPC Launches Comprehensive White Paper on Double Materiality Assessments

Today, IPC released its latest white paper, Why Double Materiality Assessments Matter: Compliance and Competitive Advantage. This publication offers a roadmap for companies in the electronics industry to navigate the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and leverage double materiality assessments (DMAs) for sustainable growth and competitive differentiation.

 

Developed in partnership with Anthesis Group, a leading global sustainability consultancy, the white paper provides actionable guidance to help companies address dual reporting obligations under the CSRD. DMAs require businesses to assess both their environmental and societal impacts (impact materiality) and the financial implications of sustainability-related issues (financial materiality). 

 

The 12-page white paper addresses areas critical to implementing DMAs successfully including understanding double materiality and its dual perspectives, following a structured approach to conducting DMAs, navigating relevant regulations such as the CSRD, and engaging stakeholders effectively throughout the process. Additionally, it highlights the strategic advantages DMAs offer and includes a glossary and FAQ section to address common questions. 

 

“The CSRD marks a landmark shift in sustainability reporting requirements for companies and the completion of a double materiality assessment represents an opportunity to deliver value beyond compliance,” said Mari Desangles, principal consultant, ESG advisory & mandatory reporting at Anthesis. “Through a double materiality assessment, industry members can understand their most significant sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities, and then make informed strategic designs about how to address them.”

 

“More importantly, the white paper delves into the value proposition that DMAs offer organizations beyond just regulatory compliance. By understanding how sustainability issues affect their business and vice versa, electronics companies empowered by IPC resources can gain operational efficiencies in a competitive global marketplace,” said Kelly Scanlon, IPC lead sustainability strategist and white paper co-author.

 

The white paper highlights practical scenarios for businesses of varying size and location, including how a European semiconductor manufacturer would utilize a double materiality assessment to identify risks in its supply chain, from responsible sourcing of raw materials to production waste management. Another example features a multinational technology corporation aligning its reporting with both CSRD and ISSB standards, achieving greater transparency and operational efficiencies across its subsidiaries. The white paper also details the use of stakeholder mapping and tiered engagement strategies for effective communication with investors, suppliers, and internal teams.

 

Table of contents:

  • Introduction 

  • Double Materiality Assessments: Two Sides of the Sustainability Coin 

  • Conducting a Double Materiality Assessment: A Structured Approach 

  • Regulations and Frameworks: CSRD and Beyond 

  • CSRD Impact on Technology Companies: Three Examples 

  • Engaging Electronics Industry Stakeholders and SMEs for a Successful Process 

  • Electronics Industry Considerations — Complex Supply Chains 

  • From Compliance to Competitive Edge: How DMAs Drive Sustainability Leadership 

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Glossary of Terms 

  • About IPC International, Inc. and Anthesis Group 

 

Download the white paper at https://go.ipc.org/dma-whitepaper.

Designing for Success: How DFM, DFT, and DFA Impact PCB Production

Date
-

This one-hour webinar will teach you how to design printed circuit boards (PCBs) that are easy to manufacture, test, and assemble. You’ll learn about three important design principles: Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT), and Design for Assembly (DFA). These principles help you create PCBs that save time, lower costs, and ensure the final product works as expected.

We’ll explain what DFM, DFT, and DFA mean and why they matter for your design. You’ll see how DFM makes simple PCBs by choosing the right materials, layer stack-ups, and trace sizes. Then, we’ll explore DFT, ensuring your board can be easily tested to catch any issues before production. Finally, we’ll cover DFA, which helps make assembly smoother by correctly placing components and avoiding errors.

Throughout the webinar, we’ll share real-world examples of what happens when these principles are followed—and when they’re not. You’ll also learn about necessary IPC standards, like IPC-2221 and IPC-A-610, that guide good PCB design practices. By the end of the session, you’ll know how to create reliable, cost-effective, and easy PCBs.

This webinar is perfect for anyone working on PCB designs, from beginners to experienced designers. Whether creating your first board or looking to improve your process, this session will give you the tools and tips to succeed. Join us to learn how to design PCBs that work perfectly from the start!

Speaker Bios

John Watson

John Watson brings over 44 years of experience in the electronics industry, with 24 of those dedicated to PCB design and engineering. Throughout his distinguished career, John has worked with leading companies such as Teledyne API, Emerson Computer Power, and Legrand Corporation. He also served honorably in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence field. John is a technical expert in using various PCB Design ECAD Software. 
A significant undertaking is honing the next generation of PCB Designers, enhancing proficiency in PCB Design, and improving the overall quality of PCB design workflows for industry-leading companies.

In addition to his industry role, John is a professor at Palomar College in San Marcos and the University of California San Diego, teaching foundational and advanced PCB design courses. He is also a highly regarded author, contributing regularly to blogs and white papers and as a monthly columnist for I-Connect007. John is the author of two books on Library and Data Management and is a sought-after international speaker, having delivered lectures across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

As a member of the IPC Designer Leadership Council, John is deeply committed to shaping the future of PCB design education and resources. Being part of an organization that has influenced the industry for decades remains one of the most rewarding aspects of his career.

 

 

The Engineering Webinar Series will provides FREE, live, monthly educational experiences and videos discussing key design issues surrounding aspects of quality, defect detection & remediation, and design finalization & fabrication. All sessions are recorded and registered attendees will receive a link to the video to watch on-demand. 
 

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