Sustainable Practices in Box Build and Cable Assembly Manufacturing

Sustainability is a priority in many industries, and with this global trend, many manufacturing companies are making the shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly practices throughout their processes. The green revolution will continue to grow, and many developers are demonstrating their commitment by choosing electronic contract manufacturers who employ these sustainable practices in their manufacturing, box build, and cable assembly processes.

The Importance of Sustainable Practices and Green Technology

There are several reasons that sustainable practices and green technology have become more important in recent years.

• Certain raw materials that have traditionally been used contain components that can be considered hazardous to consumers. Opting for more eco-friendly materials is safer for the consumer as well as those involved in the manufacturing process.
• Inefficient manufacturing processes are not only ineffective, but consume far more energy than eco-friendly options. When a manufacturer commits to reducing their carbon footprint, their manufacturing processes are often improved.
• As devices, and particularly what could be considered “disposable” technology (devices that will quickly become obsolete) are used more, it is even more crucial to work with an ECM who puts a focus on responsible disposal and sustainable electronic recycling. Without this commitment, improperly disposed of technology will quickly become an insurmountable problem.

Design Can Help Reduce Electronic Waste

There are some design principles that will allow for the replacement of individual components, rather than the entire device. Modular design employs this principle and can be applied to box build and cable assembly manufacturing. Not only will this design reduce electronic waste, but it can also facilitate easier repairs and upgrades. When designing the box build and cable assembly for your electronic device design, talk to the engineering team at your ECM about a modular design.

Opting for Eco-Friendly Materials

When supply chain concerns and component shortages are impacting manufacturing, it can be difficult to add eco-friendly materials to the list of what’s necessary for electronic manufacturing, but it is important for developers who are passionate about sustainable practices. There are several options that will help reduce your environmental impact, including lead-free soldering, recycled materials, and substrate components. All circuit board assembly requires soldering, and in the past, hazardous materials, such as lead, were concerning. With new lead-free options, the PCB assembly can protect consumers against those high levels of lead.

Cable assemblies may not use lead, but the plastics, protective coatings, and finishing have also been concerning in the past. Eco-friendly options of other raw materials are an excellent way to incorporate more sustainability. Europe has made a strong commitment to restrict the amount of many different components that can be considered harmful to consumers and the environment, and many global countries outside the EU are following their lead to ensure that every product they manufacture is safe.

Material Recycling

Electronic waste has historically been a challenge to recycle. Disposing of old electronics has concerned many in the industry, from those who manufacture, to those who distribute, and even consumers who use these devices. However, both design and materials have come a long way in recent years, and manufacturers have more options for materials that can be easily recycled. There are also more sustainable and accessible recycling options for electronics that were previously not offered as an option due to the materials, such as lead, that were used. In addition to choosing materials that can be recycled easily, it’s also important to make sure that any disposal practices are responsible. Your ECM can advise you on best practices when you are ready to dispose of your old devices to ensure that you are not contributing to the problem.

Choosing an ECM who will Employ an Energy-Efficient Production Process

Production processes can be a challenge for sustainability goals. No matter what kind of materials your ECM uses or the recycling options they have, if their facility itself is leaving a large carbon footprint, they need to make the necessary updates to become more sustainable. Outdated manufacturing technologies are often inefficient in their use of energy resources, so even if their materials are sustainable, the facility itself cannot be considered eco-friendly.

An ECM who is committed to sustainable practices and eco-friendly technology will demonstrate that with how they have optimized their operations to minimize energy production and reduce their carbon footprint. When choosing an ECM, it’s important to ask about what practices they have put in place to make their facility more sustainable. Upgrading equipment to energy efficient options, monitoring energy usage, and looking for alternative solutions to inefficient practices all contribute to a more sustainable manufacturing process.

Eco-Friendly Packaging Solutions

Sustainable practices don’t stop when the manufacturing process does. Eco-friendly packaging solutions can take your product through to the end while remaining green throughout the process. This is a simple swap that many ECMs have been willing to embrace to keep the delivery stage of the process eco-friendly.

Customers have demonstrated their preference for developers and manufacturers who are committed to sustainable practices, and ECMs understand that this is not simply a trend, but a fundamental change to the manufacturing process. When choosing an ECM for box build and cable assembly manufacturing, make sure to look at how every potential partner has incorporated sustainable practices throughout their full process, from materials, to energy-efficiency, to recyclability. When you choose a partner who shares your commitment, your customers will recognize and support your dedication to advancing green technology.

Levison Enterprises is committed to sustainable manufacturing. Contact us for a quote on your next project.

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