Imagine printing electronic circuits like you print a document, but using ink made from recycled metals and paper made from plants. Instead of electronics ending up in a landfill, these parts are designed to be easily taken apart and melted down for reuse. It is like turning old gadgets into a sustainable loop where nothing goes to waste.
Electronic waste is growing by 2% annually, yet less than 40% is recycled in the EU. Current printed electronics rely on mined raw materials and end up in landfills, destroying precious metals.
The project developed bio-based substrates (PLA), lignin-based conductive nanomaterials, and de-bond-on-demand adhesives. It also created a scalable metal recovery process and demonstration models for biosensors and switches.
If you are a biosensor manufacturer dealing with high plastic waste and toxic materials — this project developed biodegradable PLA substrates and sustainable conductive inks that allow for eco-friendly electrochemical biosensors.
If you are a switch producer dealing with non-recyclable components — this project developed membrane switches using bio-based materials and de-bond-on-demand adhesives to simplify end-of-life recycling.
If you are a recycling plant dealing with the difficulty of extracting precious metals from electronics — this project developed scalable methods to recover over 90% of metals used in printed electronics.
Based on available project data, the project reduces reliance on expensive mined materials by recovering over 90% of metals from existing printed electronics.
Yes, the project focuses on scalable methods for recycling and utilizes digital printing, which is characterized by its versatility and scalability.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, but the project involves 7 industry partners and 8 SMEs developing these formulations.
Yes, it aligns with the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan and Bioeconomy Action Plan to reduce electronic waste and increase recycling rates.
The project implements sustainable digital printing and assembly processes designed to reduce material usage and curing times.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 54% industry ratio, comprising 13 partners across 6 countries. The strong presence of 8 SMEs suggests a high focus on commercial agility and practical application, while the 4 research institutions and 2 universities provide the necessary scientific backing for the material innovations.
Contact Teknologisk Institut in Denmark
Contact us to connect with the Sustain-a-Print consortium for licensing sustainable ink formulations.
