Results from the 2004 iNEMI Environmentally Conscious Electronics (ECE) roadmap

The 2004 iNEMI Environmentally Conscious Electronics Road map was released to the public in February 2005. This paper outlines the roadmapping process used by the International Electronics Manufacturing Initiative to identify future research, development, and implementation needs to continue the growth of the world-wide electronics industry. It contains nineteen individual technology roadmaps covering all aspects of the global electronics industry and its supply chain. One of these nineteen roadmaps is the Environmentally Conscious Electronics (ECE) Roadmap. The output of this roadmapping process is used to establish projects to close gaps identified in the roadmap. The three generations of NEMI projects to eliminate Pb solder were developed to close identified environmental technology gaps from the 1998, 2000, and 2002 roadmaps. The 2004 ECE roadmap focuses on five key areas: design, energy, recycling, materials, and sustainability. Not only are the technical issues roadmapped in these five areas, but also the regulatory and business issues as well. This paper is the first detailed presentation of the technology and business gaps and research and development needs identified in the five key environmental areas. The paper discusses the findings and recommendations made by the roadmap participants. The paper concludes by discussing the future environmental challenges and recommendations made in the roadmap for the world-wide electronics industry over the next decade.