Sustainable electronics technology for e-waste

In2tec's groundbreaking ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ technologies will be spotlighted in a new documentary exploring innovations that are set to transform society. The Economy 4.0 series, produced by Acumen Media for CBSNews.com, delves into the emerging technologies and circular practices that will shape the future of industries worldwide.

The documentary will feature In2tec’s thought leaders, including Managing Director Neil Armstrong, Emma Armstrong(Sustainable Electronics Ambassador), and Mark Hudman, as they discuss the revolutionary impact their technologies will have on the electronics industry—a sector long known for its waste and environmental damage.

For over 70 years, the electronics industry has been producing printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that are nearly impossible to recycle, hazardous when burned, non-biodegradable in landfills, and contribute significantly to carbon emissions. In2tec’s pioneering technologies, ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™, offer a much-needed solution to these pressing issues.

Neil Armstrong explains the urgency of the situation: “The growth of digitalization is undeniable—we’re consuming electronics at a rate of 6% more year on year. But we’re draining natural resources faster than they can be replenished. We simply don’t have the right solution. Until now.”

ReUSE® is a suite of patented inks, adhesives, materials, and processes designed to manufacture PCBAs in a way that makes them easier to recycle and reuse. ReCYCLE™ is an ultra-low energy process that can "unzip" PCBAs to recover the original bill of materials (BoM), allowing valuable components to be safely extracted without damage or stress. These components can then be reused in other products or resold in the growing second-life market.

Neil continues, “The concept of a PCBA that can be unzipped, harvested, and reused at its end-of-life turns these components from liabilities into valuable assets. This shift in perspective makes recycling economically viable for the first time, and transforms the entire process.”

The Economy 4.0 documentary provides recognition for In2tec’s innovative technologies, underscoring the significance of ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ in reshaping the electronics industry.

The growing e-waste crisis
E-waste is a massive environmental problem, polluting water, soil, and air, while accelerating global warming. Shockingly, over 90% of electronic materials are either lost or unavailable for reuse. According to the Global Electronics Council, more than $68 billion worth of valuable components were discarded as e-waste in 2021 alone.

Emma Armstrong paints a stark picture of the global challenge: “By 2030, we will need the resources of two planets just to manage our consumption and absorb our waste. We developed ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ 15 years ago, but the world simply wasn’t ready for it back then.”

She adds, “The reality is that companies typically won’t take action for the planet unless it aligns with their financial interests. Our technology offers value for everyone across the supply chain—from consumers and manufacturers to recyclers and component OEMs.”

A paradigm shift in electronics
In2tec’s ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ represent the paradigm shift the electronics industry urgently needs, promoting a sustainable, circular approach to product design, manufacturing, and end-of-life management. By minimizing resource consumption, reducing waste, and encouraging responsible consumption practices, these technologies help create a more environmentally resilient and socially equitable Economy 4.0.

Emma highlights the broader impact: “ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ are not just about advancing technology—they’re about increasing profitability across the supply chain, lowering product costs for consumers, and preserving the planet for future generations.”

As the world increasingly turns to sustainable solutions, In2tec’s innovations are setting the stage for a more circular, less wasteful electronics industry. By turning e-waste into a resource, In2tec’s technologies offer a blueprint for a greener, more sustainable future.