E-waste is one of the fastest-growing global environmental concerns, but engineers are leading the charge in sustainable tech. Biodegradable electronics are emerging as a viable solution. From smartphones to medical devices, here’s how the engineering community is innovating for a greener future.
With the rapid growth of technology, electronic waste has become one of the largest environmental challenges we face today. The sheer volume of discarded electronics, which includes everything from broken phones to outdated computers, is growing by the day.
In 2019, 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were generated worldwide, according to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020 report by the United Nations University, the International Telecommunication Union, and the International Solid Waste Association.
This number is expected to rise by 21% by 2030, as reported by the same sources. These figures are a stark reminder that the tech we rely on comes with a hefty environmental toll.
This is where engineers come in. From crafting innovative, biodegradable materials to designing fully sustainable devices, the engineering community is leading the charge in mitigating e-waste. As engineers around the world begin to experiment with new materials and technologies, biodegradable electronics are emerging as a promising solution to help reduce the environmental impact of tech.
As we continue to evolve as a global society, the idea of electronics that break down naturally, rather than sitting in landfills for hundreds of years, is becoming a reality.
Engineers worldwide are actively working on these sustainable technologies, making biodegradable electronics a tangible, eco-friendly option for the future.
Let’s take a closer look at five exciting examples of biodegradable innovations that engineers are working on across the globe.
1. Biodegradable Smartphone Casings: Eco-Friendly and Durable
Smartphones are one of the biggest contributors to e-waste, with millions of units discarded every year. However, engineers are making progress in replacing the typical plastic casings with biodegradable alternatives. For example, in South Korea, researchers at the Pohang University of Science and Technology have developed biodegradable plastics that can replace traditional phone casings.
These plastics are derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and PLA (polylactic acid), which break down naturally in composting conditions. With a lifespan similar to that of conventional phone cases, this biodegradable material allows users to enjoy modern technology without leaving a lasting environmental impact.
Additionally, in the UK, tech company Fairphone is known for creating ethically sourced smartphones with sustainable materials. As part of their ongoing efforts to reduce e-waste, they have started exploring biodegradable options for their phone casings, aiming to create a truly sustainable smartphone in the near future.
2. Conductive Bioplastics: The Future of Electronics Components
When it comes to electronics, one of the primary challenges is the use of metals like copper and aluminum for conducting electricity. These materials are not only harmful to the environment but are also mined using techniques that damage ecosystems. Engineers have begun developing bioplastics that can conduct electricity in a similar way, providing an eco-friendly alternative.
For example, in Japan, researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a new conductive bioplastic that can be used in electronics like sensors and circuits. This material is made from organic compounds, meaning it can break down naturally once it’s no longer in use. The university’s engineers are actively working on incorporating this bioplastic into various electronic components, from wearables to household gadgets, with the aim of reducing the overall environmental footprint of tech devices.
Such innovations showcase how bioplastics are paving the way for eco-friendly, high-performance components that can replace traditional materials, offering both sustainability and functionality.
3. Smart, Adaptive Materials for Biodegradable Devices
What if electronics could “know” when to decompose? Engineers are developing smart, adaptive materials that change their properties based on environmental factors, enabling devices to break down once their useful life is over. This could dramatically reduce e-waste and help maintain performance throughout the product’s lifecycle.
In Australia, the University of Sydney is leading research on biodegradable electronics that include these smart materials. Their team has designed a prototype that uses adaptive polymers capable of responding to moisture and temperature changes. These materials will allow devices to degrade safely and effectively once they are no longer needed, ensuring that there is no harmful waste left behind.
As these materials evolve, they could be integrated into a range of consumer products, from smartphones to wearable devices, contributing to a more sustainable, circular economy.
4. Biodegradable Sensors for Medical Use
The medical sector is another area where biodegradable electronics are making a huge impact. Medical devices, such as pacemakers and diagnostic sensors, typically remain in the body or contribute to medical waste once they are no longer needed. Engineers are now working on biodegradable alternatives that naturally dissolve in the body after use, eliminating the need for removal and reducing waste.
A notable example comes from Germany, where researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) are developing biodegradable sensors that can monitor vital signs and then break down safely within the body.
These sensors are made from materials like magnesium and silicon, which are biocompatible and naturally degrade without harming human tissue. The engineers working on this technology hope to reduce medical waste and improve patient recovery by eliminating the need for invasive removal procedures.
5. Biodegradable Batteries: Powering the Future
Batteries are another key component of electronics, but they pose significant environmental challenges due to their toxic materials and difficulty in disposal. Engineers are addressing this problem by developing biodegradable batteries made from non-toxic, sustainable materials.
A great example is the work being done in the Netherlands, where researchers from the University of Utrecht have created a biodegradable battery that uses zinc and manganese instead of the harmful lithium used in traditional batteries.
These batteries are designed to break down over time and release no harmful byproducts. This innovation could revolutionize how we power everything from gadgets to medical devices, providing a cleaner, more sustainable energy solution.
References
The Future of Biodegradable Electronics
Recent advances in biodegradable electronics
Engineers from Stanford create plastic skin that mimics human skin
