SPOTLIGHT
Waste
Industry 4.0 might have improved our lives, but it comes at a price
T
he impact of technology on us these day can’t be denied. The emergence of Industry 4.0 has undoubtedly improved all aspects of our lives, but it has also come with a substantial price. The main objective behind the widespread integration of technology in productivity and the quality of products and their manufacturing processes. This has been enabled largely by the IoT and digitalisation. However, this advancement has resulted devices and products, many of which are disposable. Consequently, this has led to a increase at an unprecedented rate. Recent data from the Global Ewaste Monitor reveals that a staggering 62 billion tonnes of electronic waste was produced in 2022 alone. The ewaste not only harms the environment but is also a hazard to human and animal health, as well as that of plant life.
The medical and military sectors share a commonality when it comes to the generate, as both industries have distinct patterns of single use.
Small medical devices (SMDs) are a major contributor to ewaste due to their design for limited reuse to prevent cross- contamination. This not only leads to the disposal of hazardous materials but also diminishes the availability of raw materials for future devices. A joint study by Loughborough University and the University of Leeds proposes that enabling the reuse of SMDs could potentially cut the NHS’s costs by 50%.
Approaching the growing problem of ewaste
It is of utmost importance to emphasise that within many industries, discarded electronic devices frequently hold valuable sensitive information. If this protected data is not properly disposed of, it can establishments accountable. To ensure data
8 September 2024 | Automation
Industry 4.0 might have improved our lives, but it comes at a price
By Emma Armstrong, Sustainable Electronics Ambassador and Group Commercial Director at In2tec
security, it is imperative to employ secure methods for data destruction during the recycling process. These methods the devices, thereby minimising the likelihood of unauthorised access or data breaches which come at high costs. Globally, IBM estimates the average cost of a data breach to be nearly $4.5m, hence, products will ultimately lead to a decrease in the demand for specialised solutions to safeguard data security and minimise It has also been established that a high volume of electronics is now made up of counterfeit parts. The US Pentagon has electronics in circulation are counterfeit, posing a serious threat to national security. Shockingly, 70% of these counterfeit electronics allegedly originate from China, to prevent such occurrences. This alarming revelation underscores the urgent need for stricter control over ewaste and a fundamental shift in mindset to safeguard national security.
Inadequate recycling facilities, lack of frequently blamed for the poor recycling of
electronic devices. However, a crucial issue lies in the manufacturing process of these devices, as they are not designed with the intention of being easily disassembled and repurposed; instead, they are discarded, highlighting the key importance of transitioning towards a circular economy at the core of any device.
The utilisation of sustainable materials in the production of electronic goods, coupled with their easy disassembly, This approach not only helps reduce the depletion of essential resources, but also creates a commercially viable second-life supply chain. This is ultimately why In2tec produces PCBA assemblies through ReUSE and ReCYCLE technologies. ReUSE materials, manufacturing process
and propriety techniques, coupled with the ReCYCLE unzipping mechanism, allow PCBAs to be brought back to their constituent parts undamaged and uncontaminated for secondary use. Overall, in all industries where
change in the approach toward sustainable electronics is essential. Safeguarding the environment and the wellbeing of future generations is imperative, prompting industries to prioritise partnerships with sustainable companies and processes.
automationmagazine.co.uk
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