Sustainable Electronics Driving circularity in electronics
Fresh from winning Rising Star of the Year at the Instrumentation & Electronics Awards, Emma Armstrong, sustainable electronics ambassador and group commercial director at In2tec, speaks to CIE Magazine about her career journey, the technologies reshaping circular electronics, and why the industry must act now to change its future.
CIE: What was your career background before joining In2tec? Emma Armstrong (EA): Before joining In2tec, I built my career in sales. Innovation has always been a constant in my career. My first role was selling a novel/pioneering toilet roll dispenser designed for schools, and by the age of 19 I had become Salesperson of the Month for seven consecutive months. From there, I progressed through a variety of sales positions where I grew teams and overhauled sales training and processes. I later moved into the tech sector, which ultimately led me to In2tec.
CIE: What inspired you to pursue a career in sustainable electronics, and how did that path lead you to In2tec? EA: My passion for renewability, climate issues, and the need for greater circularity in technology is what led me toward the sustainable electronics field. As I became more aware of the environmental impact of electronic waste and the urgent need to conserve critical materials, I felt compelled to play a part in transforming how electronics are made, used and reused. That purpose-driven mindset is what brought me to In2tec nearly 17 years ago—an organisation that aligned perfectly with my mission to reduce waste, extend product life, and advance truly circular electronics.
CIE: What does the role of
‘sustainable electronics ambassador’ mean to you personally and professionally? EA: To me, the role reflects both my personal passion and my professional mission: driving awareness, inspiring change, and championing circularity in an industry that urgently needs transformation. It allows me to advocate for sustainable practices, promote innovation that reduces waste, and help shift attitudes within UK businesses toward more responsible use of materials. On a personal level, it aligns with my commitment to the causes I believe in and my determination to make a tangible difference for future generations.
22 December/January 2026 In2tec's ReUSE PCBA
CIE: What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech leadership, and how have you overcome them? EA: I’ve faced assumptions and bias in the male-dominated tech sector – for example, engineers sometimes still direct questions to my male colleagues instead of me. Early in my career, there was an underlying expectation that women should remain quiet or deferential. I overcame these challenges by drawing strength from my mother’s perseverance, building confidence in my expertise, and proving my leadership through performance. Today, I find empowerment in redirecting those moments – showing that I’m not a token presence at the table, but the expert at the table.
CIE: What sets In2tec apart in the sustainable electronics space? EA: In2tec stands out for bringing full circularity to electronics. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which often leads to components being discarded after a short lifespan, In2tec designs electronics for complete end-of-life disassembly, reuse, and recycling. Their approach minimises
Components in Electronics
reliance on scarce raw materials and helps divert valuable components from landfill – addressing both environmental and resource scarcity challenges and converting what was a cost liability into a valuable asset.
CIE: Can you explain the significance of ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™ technologies developed by In2tec? EA: The technologies are pivotal to enabling the circular electronics model: ReUSE® allows the manufacturing of unzippable electronics assemblies, meaning products are designed from the outset to be taken apart cleanly and efficiently.
ReCYCLE™ is an ultra-low-energy disassembly process that enables components to be separated from substrates without the stress or damage caused by traditional de-soldering. Together, they make full recovery, reuse, and recycling of electronics not only possible but commercially viable – turning once-wasted materials into valuable assets.
CIE: Beyond ReUSE® and ReCYCLE™, how does circular design shape your overall product development strategy? EA: Circular design underpins In2tec’s entire development philosophy. Products are created with long-term reuse, refurbishment, and recyclability in mind, reducing dependence on raw materials and preventing high- value components from going to waste. This strategy ensures that innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand, fostering technological progress while protecting vital resources for the future.
CIE: Congratulations on winning Rising Star of the Year at the Instrumentation & Electronics Awards in October 2025 — what does this recognition mean to you? EA: Winning this award is important because it gives me a platform for my voice to be heard. The industry genuinely needs to understand that we have to change the way we design and manufacture electronics if we’re serious about reducing the damage we’re causing for future generations.
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