The electronics industry has made significant advancements in reducing its environmental footprint, especially by enhancing the energy efficiency of various products and devices. However, improving energy efficiency alone is not enough; the sustainability of the materials used in manufacturing must also be addressed to minimise the industry’s overall environmental impact.
One promising solution lies in the use of bioplastics. These materials, which are derived from plants, can be utilised in place of oil-based plastics for making casings and parts in electronic devices. Not only do bioplastics offer a more sustainable alternative, but they can also be injection moulded with characteristics similar to ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), without the need for alterations to existing manufacturing equipment. Additionally, bioplastics generally process at lower temperatures than traditional plastics, further contributing to the reduction of energy consumption during production.
Although bioplastics have historically faced limitations in temperature resistance, recent advancements have improved their performance. Our high-temperature bioplastics range, for instance, features a softening point of up to 110ºC (230ºF). This is approximately 40-50ºC higher than other bioplastics currently available in the market, making them particularly well-suited for electronic applications. The enhanced durability and thermal resistance of these bioplastics make them an ideal material for electronics, ensuring both performance and sustainability in the long term.
As the electronics industry continues to evolve, incorporating sustainable materials like bioplastics will be crucial in addressing environmental concerns. By focusing on not just energy efficiency but also the materials used, the sector can move towards a greener future.
Biome Technologies plc (LON:BIOM) is a growth oriented, commercially driven technology group. The Group’s primary activity is the development of its fast growing business in bioplastics. The Group comprises two divisions: Biome Bioplastics and Stanelco RF Technologies.
