Each year, the world produces around 62 million tonnes of electronic waste. A large share comes from printed circuit boards (PCBs), which are found in almost every electronic device. These boards are usually made from glass fibre and epoxy resin—materials that are hard to recycle and energy-intensive to produce. UK-based Jiva Materials has created Soluboard, a sustainable alternative that cuts carbon emissions and makes electronics easier to recycle.

A Sustainable Alternative to FR-4

Soluboard is a rigid laminate made from natural fibres combined with a water-soluble polymer and a halogen-free flame retardant. The material is non-toxic and biodegradable. When the board reaches the end of its life, it can dissolve in hot water, allowing copper, components, and fibres to be recovered for reuse.

The composite meets Institute of Printed Circuits (IPC) standards and achieves a flame-retardancy level equivalent to UL94 V1. Jiva uses a phosphorous-based flame retardant that is much safer for the environment than brominated alternatives.

Compatible with Standard Manufacturing

Soluboard works with existing PCB production processes, including etching, drilling, plating, routing, and curing. It is now also compatible with Plated Through Hole (PTH) technology, allowing it to be used in double-sided designs without changing fabrication methods.

The material is lighter than conventional boards, with a density of 1.35 g/cm³ compared to 2 g/cm³ for FR-4. Independent testing by the University of Portsmouth shows that switching to Soluboard can reduce the carbon footprint of PCB manufacture by up to 67 per cent—from 16.94 kg CO₂/m² to 5.52 kg CO₂/m². Each square metre also saves around 590 grams of plastic.

Lower Impact at End of Life

Standard PCBs are usually shredded or burned to extract metals. This process emits greenhouse gases and leaves behind hazardous waste. Soluboard can be processed in existing recycling systems without incineration. It separates cleanly, making it easier to recover metals and fibres. Recycled metals can have up to a 95 per cent smaller carbon footprint than those made from raw materials.

Because Soluboard contains no epoxy resin or brominated flame retardants, it also improves the quality of recycled material streams and reduces pollution for WEEE refiners who process e-waste.

A Step Towards Circular Electronics

For product designers, electronics engineers, and industrial designers, Soluboard offers a practical route to more sustainable electronics. It performs like a conventional laminate but supports circular design through reuse and material recovery. The reduced weight and carbon impact make it suitable for applications such as consumer electronics, automotive systems, and wearables.

By rethinking the materials behind electronic devices, Jiva Materials is helping to create a future where high-performance technology and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

Source: Jiva Materials