IPC Standards and Electronics Sustainability: More Than Meets the Eye

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When we look at existing IPC standards, we see that most were created and intended to communicate and clarify expectations for superior quality, reliability, and consistency in electronics manufacturing. At first glance, their connection to sustainability is not obvious.

Yet as we continue to evaluate existing IPC standards against sustainability reporting best practices or requirements for companies in the electronics value chain, there are more than a dozen IPC standards that address important and relevant sustainability topics.

For example, training and education—a relevant and important industry sustainability topic covered by GRI standards—is represented in popular IPC standards, including IPC-A-610, Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies; IPC J-STD-001, Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies; and IPC-7711/21, Rework, Modification and Repair of Electronic Assemblies; and the certification programs built around these standards.

The GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards focus on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a company in relation to sustainable development. They represent global best practices for reporting publicly. GRI is just one of four frameworks sustainability disclosures identified as a driver causing companies in the industry to disclose data and information on various sustainability topics and targets. A recent exploratory materiality study of dozens of industry sustainability reports revealed that GRI, along with SASB, TCFD, and CDP, was strongly preferred and most used of the four.

To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the fall issue of IPC Community, click here.