- Traditional heavy materials contaminate soil and underground water.
- Biodegradable electronics are made from water-solutable, biocompatible materials, allowing safe breakdown after use.
- Biodegradable electronics reduce e-waste, offering eco-friendly disposal options that minimize pollution and resource depletion.
As the world rapidly grows for technology demand in many fields like AI and robotics, environmental change is a big concern in support for the world’s financial growth. According to the Climate Watch statistic, for human-caused greenhouse gas emissions(GHG), the energy sector takes up three-quarters of all global emissions. And about 60% GHG comes from just 10 countries, with china being the number one GHG ‘contributor’, 2.3x more than the U.S. and the second to the fifth in combine. Technology industries and data centers that run on electricity and heats make up the most energy consuming data base. Monthly carbondioxade concentrations reach record high in 2024 as 426.91 parts per million(ppm). Protecting our mother earth is an alarming call.
The production of electronics involves using various hazardous chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can leach into the environment. The manufacturing process emits significant greenhouse gases, with estimates suggesting that producing a single smartphone generates approximately 55 to 95 kg of CO2 emissions. Also, the electronics industry is a major energy consumer. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the sector is responsible for about 20% of global electricity consumption. The production processes often rely on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and climate change.
Sustainable technology solutions are vital for organizations to reduce the carbon footprint, minimize the resource consumption to enter a renewable cycle. In this feature, I’m going to discuss how biodegradable electronics, as in electronics with a limited lifetime that decompose into an eco-friendly after it is used, have great potential as an electronic component that contributes to a wide range of fields.
Biodegrade seems like a strange word, but when you see it as bio, degrade, you know it’s a process of downgrading, or put, decomposing and breakdown, it’s more easy to understand. Biodegradable electronics seems like some products that doreamon will pull out from his pocket to show Nobita, saying “here is an electronic you can use and it will dissolve as it is done with the function!” but it is real – as the biodegradable material has already been found out back to 2009 by researchers.
Plastic isn’t environmentally friendly, as in non-biogradable as we know now. We use plastic bags for take-outs, plastic cups and straws for beverages, what do we use for biodegradable electronics? Biodegradable electronics applications include pacemakers for medical use; sensors for argricultural use; consumer entertainment devices for commercial use and even for producing drones and robotics devices. They are made from water-soluable, biocompatible materials that dissolve in controlled ways, making them ideal to green the electronics and benefit the environment in general. They are often produced with zinc oxide- or silicon dioxide-based fillers to offer a longer usage.
Also read:The vital role of semiconductors in modern electronics
Pop quiz
What options below is not a biodegradable electronics application?
A. Implantable sensor
B.Drones
C.Pacemaker
D.Electronics
Scroll down for answer.
Sustainable solution
Biodegradable electronics are typically made from natural polymers and materials that are environmentally benign, such as cellulose, chitosan, and polylactic acid (PLA). These materials can be sourced sustainably, minimizing the need for resource-intensive extraction processes associated with conventional electronics. For instance, using plant-based polymers reduces reliance on fossil fuels, significantly lowering the carbon footprint of electronic production. This shift not only helps preserve ecosystems but also promotes a circular economy where materials are reused and recycled.
The manufacturing of traditional electronics is energy-intensive, contributing approximately 20% of global electricity consumption and resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, biodegradable electronics can be produced using less energy. Research has shown that biodegradable materials can often be processed at lower temperatures and with less energy compared to their traditional counterparts. This reduction in energy consumption translates into lower carbon emissions, making biodegradable electronics a more climate-friendly option.
Also read:Dhipaya Insurance launches ‘TIP GO GREEN’ initiative to promote ESG
Lower carbon footprint
The production of conventional electronics often involves hazardous substances that pose health risks to workers and communities. For example, the improper disposal of e-waste can release toxic materials into the environment, threatening public health. Biodegradable electronics mitigate this risk by employing non-toxic materials that do not leach harmful substances during degradation. This safe alternative not only protects environmental health but also ensures safer working conditions in the manufacturing and disposal phases.
Biodegradable electronics open up new avenues for disposal and recycling. Traditional electronics often require complex recycling processes due to the mix of materials used. However, biodegradable devices can be composted or broken down using biological processes, making it easier to return them to the environment. This feature encourages responsible disposal practices and can lead to the development of new waste management systems designed specifically for biodegradable materials. As communities become more educated about these options, it fosters a culture of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Reduction of E-waste
One of the most significant environmental challenges posed by traditional electronics is e-waste, which reached 53.6 million metric tons in 2019. Many electronic devices end up in landfills or are improperly disposed of, leading to soil and water contamination from hazardous materials like lead and mercury. Biodegradable electronics offer a solution by breaking down naturally over time, reducing the amount of e-waste that contributes to landfill overflow. With materials that can decompose safely, these devices minimize environmental pollution and can significantly lessen the burden on waste management systems.
“AI doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it relies on substantial hardware resources that have tangible environmental footprints. Awareness of the e-waste issue is crucial for developing strategies that mitigate negative environmental impacts while allowing us to reap the benefits of AI advancements.”
Asaf Tzachor, sustainability and climate researcher at Reichman University in Israel
Biodegradable electronics present a transformative opportunity to green the electronics industry. By addressing the critical issues of e-waste, resource extraction, energy consumption, and toxic chemical use, these innovative technologies can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of electronic devices. As research and development continue to advance in this field, it is essential for manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers to embrace biodegradable electronics as a viable alternative. The transition to biodegradable technology not only supports environmental conservation but also promotes a sustainable future where technology and nature coexist harmoniously.
Also read:Exowatt P3 brings sustainable and cheaper energy to data centres
D is the answer. Not all electronics using biodegradable materials.
