Soluboard: An alternative end-of-life solution for PCBs

In an industry dominated by incumbent fibreglass-epoxy rigid PCB laminates, there is an alternative. With a laminate containing biodegradable natural fibres, thermoplastic water-soluble polymer and a non-brominated flame retardant, PCB waste can now be classed as non-hazardous, benefitting from more than a 60% reduction in carbon footprint compared to the FR-4 incumbent as well as water solubility at end-of-life to avoid incineration and increase precious metal recovery rates.

The laminate is processable through industry standard fabrication/assembly processes to produce functional PCBs with electrical, mechanical and thermal properties comparable to the market incumbents. This recyclable solution for PCBs is considered to be the missing piece of the puzzle on the road to circularity.