However, the industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressures, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. The shift towards sustainability in electronics manufacturing is multifaceted, encompassing various aspects, including:
**1. Reducing Electronic Waste (e-Waste):**
– **Problem:** The rapid pace of technological advancement leads to a constant influx of new devices, often resulting in e-waste. This discarded electronic waste poses significant environmental and health hazards.
It is commonly used in the development of biodegradable plastics. The use of these bio-based materials in electronics is gaining traction, driven by the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based materials. The demand for these bio-based materials is increasing, and the market for bio-based electronics is expected to grow significantly in the years to come.
This creates a significant amount of e-waste, which poses a serious environmental and economic threat. The concept of circularity, which emphasizes resource conservation and waste reduction, offers a promising solution to this problem. Circularity aims to keep materials in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. To achieve this, several strategies can be implemented. First, product design should prioritize durability and repairability. This means designing products with replaceable parts, modularity, and long-lasting components.
**The summary highlights two key principles for electronics manufacturing and consumption:**
1. **Durability:** This principle emphasizes the importance of building electronics that can withstand the test of time and resist wear and tear. 2. **Upgradability:** This principle focuses on the ability of electronics to be easily upgraded or modified over time, allowing consumers to keep using their devices for longer.