Life cycle thinking for green electronics: basics in ecodesign and the UNEP/SETAC life cycle initiative

Abstract

Transferring life cycle thinking into business practice requires applicable assessment tools and management approaches. Different methods from screening eco design tools to full Life Cycle Assessment have been developed for fostering environmentally compatible electronics design. Life Cycle Assessment still deals with many obstacles, limiting its integration into electronics design workflows. The paper describes the state of the art for eco design in electronics and potential improvements for life cycle thinking to be achieved by a global initiative: launched in April 2002 the Life Cycle Initiative of UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) and SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) builds on the ISO 14040 standards and intends to establish approaches with best practice for a Life Cycle Economy. The paper presents the current status of this initiative, and possibilities to join the initiative. BeCAP (Berlin Center for Advanced Packaging) is engaged in the initiative and provides within this paper the perspective of electronics manufacturing with regard to the UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative. The specific needs of the electronics sector regarding life cycle thinking and LCA will be discussed. As a case study for screening assessments an evaluation of a multifunctional chip card is presented, referring to end-of-life scenarios.