In the latest episode of our podcast, Talks with Turquoise, we delve into the pressing issue of electronic waste (e-waste) and introduce a revolutionary solution. Ian Thomas, managing director at Turquoise International, talks to Dr Jonathan Swanston, chief executive officer, Jiva Materials. An entrepreneur with almost 40 years’ technology and commercial experience in the chemical and polymer industries, Dr Swanston has been instrumental in driving the commercial development of Jiva’s Soluboard® product and securing investment in the company.
In our increasingly connected world, printed circuit boards (PCBs) have become ubiquitous. Every year, 18 billion square metres of PCBs are produced, presenting an array of disposal and recycling challenges when they reach end of life. The escalating value of the precious metals within PCBs, coupled with a growing global consciousness regarding environmental concerns, highlight the imperative need for efficient recycling.
Enter Soluboard®, Jiva’s patented and competitively priced PCB substrate, which is positioned to rival the industry standard, FR-4. It features an organic structure that enables its non-toxic ingredients to delaminate when immersed in hot water. Soluboard® has already garnered interest from an extensive array of blue-chip electronic manufacturers, including those within the EU domestic appliance and white goods manufacturing sector.
Its plant-based fibres can be dissolved in hot water, and the remaining solution can be safely disposed of through standard wastewater systems. Additionally, electronic components can be extracted for re-processing. Moreover, users of Soluboard® can achieve an impressive 60% reduction in embodied carbon content.
Ian and Jonathan discuss:
– The urgent need for sustainable solutions to counter the consequences of disposal, including heavy metal pollution and illegal export
– Applications of Jiva’s technology and real-world examples
– The challenges Jiva faces in entering the market
– Taking the first steps towards commercialisation including product certification
– The company’s plans for the year ahead.
In 2023, Jiva Materials announced the successful conclusion of a £1 million funding round led by Katapult VC and Low Carbon Innovation Fund 2 (LCIF2), managed by Turquoise. This marked a significant milestone in advancing the commercialisation of Soluboard®, Jiva’s groundbreaking material aimed at achieving full recyclability for printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Listen here: https://pod.fo/e/218468