A collaboration between the industry and a non-governmental organization has introduced a tool designed to assist formulators of cleaning agents utilized in electronics assembly manufacturing in replacing hazardous substances with safer, more sustainable options.
The market for chemical cleaners and degreasers in electronics is a £1.5 billion global enterprise, but it poses significant risks for the numerous workers involved in assembling everything from printed circuit boards to mobile devices. They frequently use cleaning solvents as devices progress through various assembly phases, making it crucial that these formulations are safe for both individuals and the environment, remarks Stacy Glass, executive director of ChemFORWARD.
Achieving this necessitates costly toxicology evaluations for each chemical, prompting ChemFORWARD to develop a library of peer-reviewed chemical hazard information that informs formulators about what to avoid and potential substitutes.
Over two years, Apple has funded chemical hazard evaluations focusing on each chemical’s lifecycle to assess their effects on humans and the environment. The software tool allows formulators to check if a chemical appears on any prohibited substances lists, such as the EU’s Reach regulations, or on non-regulatory lists like Apple’s restricted substances list. For chemicals not currently regulated, the hazards list enables formulators to anticipate potential restrictions by steering clear of those substances.
Now, formulators can search for alternatives based on functionality or physical chemistry characteristics, including molecular structure, boiling point, or water solubility, in accordance with their hazard ratings. “This aids them in making a more informed choice about refining their formulation, enabling them to replace the [hazardous] F-rated solvent they are currently using with an A, B, or C once they ascertain its compatibility with their application,” clarifies Glass.
She notes that the objective is to engage both ends of the supply chain, motivating formulators to develop safer alternatives that can be validated by third parties, and providing a variety of cleaners and degreasers from which electronics manufacturers and brands can choose during procurement. “These tools are specifically designed to eliminate obstacles for formulators concerning cost, time, and uncertainty, while our goal is to have third-party verified products available in the market that anyone can adopt.”