Environmental best practice in the PCB industry

The need for the printed circuit board (PCB) industry to minimise its environmental impact is increasingly important, not only because of public lobbying but also because of the potential negative financial implications. For the industry to be competitive and to reduce its costs, it must therefore maximise the benefits of available environmental best practices. Since PCB manufacturing uses many processes that are potentially harmful to the environment, their negative impact can be significant. This also means, however, that there are major opportunities available through the adoption of waste minimisation and environmental best practices. This article outlines the advantages of adopting such practices within PCB manufacturing and details specific examples of where real improvements and savings can be made. Sources of further information are given and specific reference is made to the PCIF’s new PCB Industry Environmental Best Practice Guide.