Sustainable Practices in Device Manufacturing

Most "green" manufacturing initiatives fail. Why? They focus on looking good instead of being good. Here's our real playbook: 1. Energy First: • Switch to smart LED systems • Install motion sensors • Monitor machine idle times Small changes = Big savings 2. Waste Revolution: • Measure your waste by TYPE • Reprocess clean room garments • Partner with recycling specialists Cut waste = Cut costs 3. Package Smart: • Eliminate plastic where possible • Use recycled sterilization wraps • Design collapsible packaging Less space = More profit 4. Water Control: • Install closed-loop cooling • Reuse validated water • Monitor usage by process Every drop counts 5. Supply Chain Reality: • Source locally where possible • Bulk ship raw materials • Choose suppliers by carbon footprint Proximity = Profitability 6. Clean Room Efficiency: • Use HEPA instead of complete air changes • Install energy recovery systems • Monitor particle counts real-time Better control = Less waste The truth about sustainable manufacturing? It's not about being green. It's about being efficient. Efficiency equals sustainability. Start here: Measure your waste for one week. Track everything. The numbers will shock you. #MedTech #SustainableManufacturing #CleanTech

Sustainable Electronics: The PCB Revolution You Haven't Heard About The hidden environmental cost in every device you own. Printed circuit boards are silently destroying our planet. Did you know 30% of a smartphone's carbon footprint comes from its printed circuit board? PCBs are in everything electronic - from your TV to your laptop to industrial equipment. But traditional PCB manufacturing: • Uses excessive copper (prices up 5x in 40 years) • Creates toxic chemical waste • Consumes massive amounts of water • Generates significant CO2 emissions This is why manufacturers are missing sustainability targets. Enter Elephantech Inc. - a Japanese startup revolutionizing PCB production with their "pure additive" method: 1. They print copper nanoparticle ink directly onto substrates 2. No removal process means 70% less copper used 3. Water usage reduced by 95% 4. Carbon footprint cut by 75% 5. No toxic chemical processes The results are remarkable: → Fully certified PCBs meeting all industry standards → Mass production already happening in Japan → Partnerships with global brands like Logitech → Applications across smartphones, laptops, TVs, and automotive What makes this possible? Their integrated approach. Unlike competitors who focus on just one element, Elephant Tech developed everything in-house: • Nanoparticle synthesis • Metal ink formulation • Inkjet printing technology • Equipment manufacturing The environmental crisis isn't waiting. Neither should we. With copper prices rising and environmental regulations tightening, conventional PCBs will soon become unsustainable both environmentally AND economically. The technology for greener electronics exists today. Follow Climate Hive for more insights on sustainable technology innovations that are reshaping our future. #greenelectronics #sustainableinnovation #waterreduction

Our systematic review on the carbon footprints of medical devices is now out! Medical devices are estimated to contribute around 6-10% of national health system carbon footprints. In this review, we analysed 59 studies measuring the carbon footprints of 61 medical devices, mainly across surgical, endoscopic, and anaesthetic specialties. We identify three key findings. 1. Reusable devices are generally more carbon efficient than single-use alternatives. However, this advantage is not universal. In settings where reprocessing relies on fossil fuel-intensive energy grids, reusables can have higher footprints. 2. Carbon hotspots differ by device type. For single-use devices, emissions are dominated by production and manufacturing. For reusable devices, reprocessing (cleaning and sterilisation) is the main contributor. 3. We found variation in how carbon footprint methods are applied, often with limited transparency around data sources and assumptions. These findings support the preferential use of reusable devices where feasible, alongside efforts to decarbonise reprocessing systems. They also point to the need for more transparent and consistent carbon footprint methods, while recognising that any methodological standardisation must remain flexible and sensitive to local contexts. Importantly, growing interest in device carbon modelling should not delay action! Reducing the climate impact of medical devices requires action across the system: policymakers reforming regulation to enable safe reuse; manufacturers embedding circular design principles into products; healthcare facilities optimising reprocessing; and clinicians prioritising reusable options in practice. This is a call to action! https://lnkd.in/ebs-enee Sara Shaw Dr Stuart Faulkner Sanay Goyal Monika Chowaniec #sustainablehealthcare #climatechange #carbonfootprint #medicaldevices #circularity

#GEMBAWALKS #sustainability I’ve had the privilege of engaging with people across the full spectrum of our industry, from corporate boardrooms to the shop floor. One recurring theme in these conversations is the future of machining must embrace circularity. To stay competitive and sustainable, we need to rethink our production strategies and technologies while continuing to deliver on cost, quality, and reliability; and make the most of our people’s expertise. The “buy-make-dispose” model no longer contributes. A circular economy, where waste is minimised, resources are reused, and energy is optimised, isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. For machining, this shift is both an opportunity and a necessity. Energy efficiency is an essential consideration Machining consumes a lot of energy, much of it wasted through heat, air condition and idle machine times. Improving energy efficiency is therefore a practical and strategic priority. Investments in modern, energy-efficient equipment, cooling systems, smart controls, up-to-date CAM programmes, and optimised tooling help workshops dramatically reduce energy use. Smart solutions, like real-time energy monitoring and adaptive machining systems, make a big difference. These technologies dynamically adjust processes, reduce excess power draw, and improve productivity. Energy efficiency and operational excellence go hand in hand. From Machining to intelligent, circular manufacturing Tooling solutions are a perfect example of where circular thinking adds value. Rather than treating tools as consumables, we should focus on extending tool life through smart usage, reconditioning, and recycling. Advances in tool design and refurbishment help reduce material waste while keeping performance high. Quick Response Manufacturing principles reduce scrap, improve workflow, and eliminates inefficiencies boosting sustainability and profitability. Optimised tool paths reduced idle time, quick-change tool systems, and standardised procedures all contribute to smoother, more circular operations. People make the difference However, technology alone won’t get us there. Real progress depends on people. Circularity must be a shared goal: management, engineers, and operators working together to spot inefficiencies and improve workflows. Operators especially have valuable insights that can drive change from the ground up. Externally, partnerships with suppliers, customers, channel partners, and even competitors can accelerate innovation. Joint development projects shared best practices, and tool recycling initiatives already show how collaboration can create real momentum. Tooling a sustainable Future At its core, circular machining is about reimagining how we treat processes, equipment, and people. With the right mindset and solutions, we can build a future where machining becomes responsible. It’s a joint journey of continuous improvement. #toolingasustainablefuture #people

Recycled materials aren't something you can just "drop-in". They behave differently, requiring a new mindset from the outset. Our engineers had to test blends of recycled carbon fiber to maintain strength in devices. They had to research how to replace plastic packaging with more sustainable options while still protecting products and presenting well. From housings to covers, we've found recycled materials can match virgin ones in durability and aesthetics, and we've designed award-winning new packaging solutions that keep quality intact. To me, this is the kind of unseen engineering work that makes sustainability real, not aspirational. I hope to see more of it throughout the technology industry as time goes on. #EngineeringMindset

Can semiconductor manufacturing exist without wastewater discharge? Our latest paper published in iScience explores this very question — and the innovations making it possible. This perspective article outlines the environmental impact of wastewater generated during chip fabrication, emphasizing the complex mix of contaminants and chemicals that make treatment incredibly difficult. Traditional treatment methods face significant limitations, particularly due to the variability and opacity of wastewater composition. In our paper, we explore how the industry can move toward minimal liquid discharge systems—an approach that drastically reduces environmental harm. We also highlight alternative technologies such as printed electronics, which offer a promising path forward by reducing the use of toxic chemicals, lowering energy consumption, and significantly minimizing wastewater output. These strategies represent not just technical innovation but a necessary shift toward more sustainable semiconductor manufacturing. Congratulations Sofia Sandhu et al. Read the full paper here: https://lnkd.in/eUWhUxYu Ravinder S. Dahiya Northeastern University Northeastern University College of Engineering ECE Northeastern #Semiconductors #Sustainability #EnvironmentalImpact #PrintedElectronics #WastewaterTreatment #MLD #GreenManufacturing #manufacturing #advancedmaterials #sensors #electronics #circularity #chip #fabrication #nanofabrication #semiconductor #additivemanufacturing #advancedmanufacturing

Europe just kicked off a €55m effort to clean up semiconductor manufacturing. Curious where it leads: A new Europe-wide project called Genesis has just launched, with the goal of making chip manufacturing more environmentally friendly. The project has nearly €55 million in funding, and it’s backed by the European Commission, several EU countries, and Switzerland. Over the next three years, 58 partners (including big companies, small businesses, universities, and research centres) will work together on new ways to reduce pollution and waste in how semiconductors are made. The idea is to create 45 innovations that help make the chip industry more sustainable. The project is being led by CEA-Leti, a major research institute in France. According to Laurent Pain, who leads sustainable electronics at CEA-Leti, Genesis is about solving the tough challenges of going green in the chip industry. It also supports Europe’s wider green goals, like those in the European Green Deal and Chips Act. Genesis will focus on four main areas: 1️⃣ Monitoring and sensing: Tracking emissions and improving how processes are managed in real time. 2️⃣ New materials: Finding safer, PFAS-free chemicals to replace the more harmful ones currently used. 3️⃣ Waste reduction: Reusing materials like gases and solvents, and cutting down on what gets thrown away. 4️⃣ Raw material use: Reducing Europe’s dependence on rare or hard-to-get materials. On top of that, the project wants to create tools that cut greenhouse gases and harmful chemical emissions. The long-term goal is for Europe to become a world leader in green chip manufacturing. In short: not just making chips, but doing it in a way that’s better for the planet. Anton Chichkov from the Chips Joint Undertaking said that as chips are used more and more in everything from AI to energy systems, their environmental impact is growing fast. This project is Europe’s way of staying ahead by investing in cleaner, smarter technologies.

In my recent conversation with Vogue Business in China, we discussed our unique Design for #Sustainability approach at Logitech. We are making real progress in reducing our carbon footprint by integrating sustainability at the start of the design process. We carbon label all of our products, and for each of the 35-40 new products we launch every year, we assess their carbon footprint at the start of the process. That allows us to make smarter decisions about materials, manufacturing and logistics. Decisions that are better for our users, our business and the planet. As a result, 4 out of 5 of our products now use recycled plastics. The majority of our portfolio has transitioned to paper-based, FSC-certified packaging. We are increasingly using low-carbon aluminum and low-carbon printed circuit boards. And importantly, we prioritize Circular Design: choosing materials and components that are easier to separate, repair, and recycle. If you missed the full discussion I shared recently, catch a quick highlight below: Coco Yang, Amanda Glasgow, Elaine Laird, Malin L., Robert O'Mahony, Sènami Aklé, Yiling Pan, Maxime Marini

The next generation of semiconductors won’t just power our devices, they’ll disappear when the job is done. Some of the most fascinating work I’ve seen lately is emerging from Asia, where researchers are exploring new ways to make electronics both high-performing and biodegradable. Think of materials that dissolve safely once their job is done. Here are a few breakthroughs that caught my attention: 🔌 Electronics that vanish at end-of-life, on purpose 📈 Etching methods that are carbon-neutral and growing fast, especially in Asia-Pacific markets 🌿 Sustainable substrates like silk and cellulose are replacing plastics 🧩 Interconnects made from zinc, iron, and magnesium, some designed to dissolve in the body safely This isn’t just about tweaking materials, it’s a complete reimagining of how we design for impact and circularity. And it’s a signal that sustainability is becoming core to innovation, not just a side note. 🧠 Worth a read: http://bit.ly/3JT4Sq8 Let me know what other sustainability signals you’re seeing in the R&D space. 

At a time of increased trade tensions, 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. When you design products to come back (trade-in), get a second life (refurbish), and return as materials (recycle), you rely less on freshly mined inputs. That means less exposure to tariffs and export controls, steadier costs, and faster, more predictable lead times. 𝗖𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 you already paid for. Unfortunately, most companies stop at “risk" and see sustainability as just a risk management tool. But Apple shows what happens when you shift your perspective from risk to opportunity. By building a trade-in → refurbish → recycle loop, Apple widened its customer base without discounting the flagship and grew services, accessories, and future upgrades—𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲. I break down how to apply this mindset—and a simple metric (“time in use per device”)—in my new post. 👉 https://lnkd.in/eVvhKxuC #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #SupplyChain #Strategy #Resilience #Apple #BusinessGrowth