Technology


In2tec challenges the electronics production status quo with recyclable solutions


UK’s In2tec is changing the way manufacturers produce conventional electronics, through state-of-the-art sustainable production techniques that address electronics recycling. The firm is now looking to work with the UK government to further embed these protocols in the electronics manufac- turing processes. The Kettering (Northamptonshire)


based innovator is a manufacturer of flexi and “Flexi-Hibrid” printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that transform how manufacturers package products, allowing for three-dimensional design platforms that are near-impossible with conventional PCBA materials. When it comes to electronics recycling


through the Waste Electronics and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) protocol, PCBAs are typically removed, shredded and sent to landfill, with no prospect of them ever breaking down. This “bury or burn” approach has been the only option to date, causing major risk to human and wildlife health and damage to the environment. In2tec’s solution is an “unzippable”, 100%-recyclable PCBA that allows


electronic components to be removed and reused in other applications. In2tec ReUSE is the manufacturing of unzippable electronics assemblies and ReCYCLE is the ultra-low energy disassembly process. Several OEMs are already in talks with


the firm over its technologies. “We wanted to introduce circularity


to the electronics industry,” says Neil Armstrong, Managing Director of In2tec. “Our ReUSE technology allows components to be used to their full lifespan, while also reducing the effects of the ongoing chip shortages, preventing excessive CO2


output and providing


circularity for the electronics industry.” The firm’s executives claim that with


ReUSE, 2.5% of the world’s PCBA annual production could save over 2.4 billion tonnes of CO2


and over 25 kilo-tonnes of


waste electronics going into landfill. “The ReUSE and ReCYCLE


programmes change the costing mechanism by making recycling a value chain not a cost chain to manufacturers and recyclers, bringing circularity to the lifecycle of electronics rather than being a straight line from supplier to landfill,” said In2tec’s Sustainable Electronics Ambassador, Emma Armstrong.


HSBC and Terra Quantum will use hybrid quantum technologies in fi nancial services


Swiss quantum-technology innovator Terra Quantum and banking giant HSBC have joined forces to use hybrid quantum technology in the financial sector, to optimise services like collateral optimisation. Collateral optimisation is the process


of efficiently allocating and managing collateral assets, to meet regulatory requirements whilst minimising costs and maintaining the bank’s healthy operation. The process uses mathematical and algorithmic strategies to balance risks, liquidity and profitability. Existing methods primarily rely on linear optimisation solvers, which can sometimes falter when confronted with higher


complexities. On the other hand, the quantum approach will more effectively handle high-dimensional optimisation problems and provide scaleability. “Optimisation of capital is one of the


core functions in a bank and quantum technologies have the potential to enhance optimisation solutions across many parts of a financial institution,” said Vishal Shete, Managing Director UK of Terra Quantum. Terra Quantum reformulates problems


as a QUIO (quadratic unconstrained integer optimisation) and applies its solver TetraOpt – a search and optimisation tool. Since TretraOpt handles higher dimensionality and non-linear constraints


better, it optimises and increases efficiency. Steve Suarez, former Global Head


of Innovation at HSBC, said: “It’s been super-exciting working in the quantum space with companies like Terra Quantum. Together we have explored the ability and readiness of hybrid quantum to take on large-scale, business-critical problems and create transformational impact.” A recent McKinsey report predicts


that quantum computing will bring significant value to the financial services industry, with an estimated economic impact of almost $1.3 trillion by 2035.


www.electronicsworld.co.uk October 2023 05


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