Electronic waste is the fastest growing waste stream in the world, with over 60 million tonnes being produced annually, PCBs manufactured using traditional materials are not recyclable and are either landfilled or incinerated. The latter causing toxic gases to be released into the atmosphere. PCBs contain many precious metals that include gold, nickel and copper these are lost when PCBs are incinerated or landfilled.

Electronics are part of our everyday life, the PCB is the heart of all electronics, some electronics have a very short lifespan, traditional PCB materials are designed to support indefinite life.

When a design does not need indefinite life, biodegradable materials can be used.

Soluboard is an innovative new PCB substrate developed by Jiva materials, it is manufactured from natural fibres and water soluble polymers. It has comparable electrical and thermos mechanical properties to the incumbent materials but has the ability to deconstruct at the end of life. Reducing hazardous waste and improving the recovery of precious metals and components.