New partnership to help develop the world's first biodegradable printed circuit board

The University of Portsmouth and Jiva Materials, a Waterlooville-based pioneer in sustainable materials, have been awarded a KnowledgeTransfer Partnership (KTP) by Innovate UK to further develop and commercialise the world's first biodegradable printed circuit board (PCBs).

This collaboration aims to combat the increasing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) and offer a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges posed by the disposal of electronics.

Electronics represent a growing waste problem globally. On average, each person in the world generates 7.5Kg of electronic waste every year (Source: The Global E-Waste Monitor 2019). The UK alone contributes over 2 million tonnes of e-waste annually (Source: Health and Safety Executive), with PCBs believed to account for 8 per cent of all e-waste (Source: Recycling: Automating the Sorting and Separation of E-Waste).

The majority of electronic circuit boards are manufactured on a glass fibre epoxy laminate, usually with a persistent organic pollutant as the flame retardant - this has been the same for well over 70 years. At the end of life, less than 50 per cent of electronic waste (Source: The Global E-Waste Monitor 2019) is collected and recycled correctly and even then, if the gold, silver and platinum metal content is too low, they are shredded and landfilled or burnt.

Jiva has developed and is commercialising a new laminate called Soluboard to replace the glass fibre epoxy laminate that will lead to two benefits: firstly a much-reduced CO2 burden and secondly, a way of reducing the £8 billion worth of critical minerals landfilled every year. 

Jiva will work with Professor Hom Dhakal and his team from the School of Mechanical and Design Engineering in the University’s Faculty of Technology, who will test and characterise the properties of natural fibres, such as jute, flax and hemp, for their use as potential laminate materials.

The KTP will help speed the development and commercialisation of new advanced versions of the Soluboard that can be used in advanced electronics.

Dr Jonathan Swanston, CEO of Jiva Materials, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Portsmouth and especially Professor Dhakal and his team. This partnership aligns with our vision of reducing the environmental impact of electronic devices. 

“Jiva Materials has been at the forefront of creating materials that are both sustainable and functional. The University’s expertise in developing natural fibre laminates make them the perfect partner for Jiva.”

Professor Hom Dhakal, Head of Advanced Polymers and Composites Research Group at the University of Portsmouth and academic lead for the project, said: “The University of Portsmouth delights in creating, sharing and applying knowledge to make a difference to individuals and society. We have a strong research and innovation focus on sustainability and the environment, as well as future and emerging technologies. 

“This collaborative KTP project with Jiva Materials, wonderfully suits a mutually prioritised goal of working together towards achieving a sustainability agenda. We believe that the experience gained from this partnership will significantly contribute towards delivering more sustainable materials and increased circularity in the sector by combating the problem of e-waste.”

Stephen Woodhouse, Knowledge Transfer Advisor for the project describes the benefits of the collaboration: “The knowledge and skills embedded by this new KTP collaboration will enable Jiva Materials to scale-up and grow their business at pace, whilst simultaneously achieving technical novelty and greater efficacy through access to world-class research expertise. I’m confident that the collaboration with the team at the University of Portsmouth will provide a firm foundation for a series of exciting future innovations by the business.

“I’m delighted Innovate UK KTN were able to help convene this partnership and to support the development of their successful grant application. I look forward to providing guidance throughout the life of the project and beyond.”