Design Issues

Voluntary and regulatory requirements are driving design modifications of electronic products to enhance their energy efficiency, recyclability, and end-of-life disassembly. Design engineers often face competing criteria in designing for end-of-life; for example, laminates and coatings that make a product lighter and more durable may make the material more difficult to recycle. The industry needs better life cycle information on materials and processes, as well as guidance on how to weigh the tradeoffs in material and process selection.