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Duncan Platt
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Sustainable electronics
Sustainable electronics aims to develop and use electronic products with minimal impact on the environment while promoting a long-term circular economy. By exploring new materials, manufacturing methods and concepts, this initiative aims to reconcile technological progress with the well-being of the planet and society.
Electronics have become an integral part of our lives, but their increasing presence has also created problems that we cannot ignore. Electronic waste, a growing global challenge, has created a pressing need to reassess how we design, manufacture and manage electronic products. To combat this problem and promote a sustainable future, it is crucial that we turn to new technologies and innovative approaches.
Today's rapidly obsolete electronics lead to a significant amount of electronic waste that not only fills up landfills but also exposes the environment to hazardous substances. To reverse this negative trend, we need to rethink the entire life cycle of electronic products. Here, sustainable electronics play a crucial role. This includes not only choosing non-critical materials, but also creating products that are designed for circularity. It also includes using energy-efficient components, exploring new manufacturing methods such as additive manufacturing, and setting a higher standard for recycling and reuse.
To strengthen this initiative and link it to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to target several aspects. Materials using bio-based components reduce dependence on fossil fuels and thus minimize the negative environmental impact. Additive manufacturing methods, including printed electronics, offer a groundbreaking opportunity to produce electronics in a more sustainable way. Such methods reduce resource extraction and waste by enabling customized production and flexible design.
An exciting development in sustainable electronics is printed hybrid electronics. It combines printed circuits with assembled microchips to create cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions. This hybrid technology enables the integration of electronics in new contexts, from wearable devices to smart packaging.
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden is at the forefront of research and knowledge in sustainable electronics. By combining technical expertise and sustainability perspectives. We can help companies improve their products and services to become more sustainable and adapted to the challenges of the future. Through a holistic approach to electronics production, we can together create a more sustainable and responsible future.
