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Sustainability Takes Center Stage in ‘On the Line With… Isola’ Podcast, Episode 3
March 25, 2026 | I-Connect007Estimated reading time: 1 minute
I-Connect007 announces the release of Episode 3 of the podcast series On the Line With…Isola, titled “The Green Circuit—Sustainability in PCB Manufacturing.” In this installment of PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics, host Marcy LaRont speaks with Isola CTO Kirk Thompson about the growing role sustainability is playing in shaping the next generation of PCB materials and manufacturing processes.
As electronics manufacturing places greater emphasis on environmental responsibility and product circularity, the PCB’s base material is becoming central to the sustainability discussion. Thompson introduces the idea of the “green circuit,” exploring how advances in materials science and engineering can reduce environmental impact across the PCB lifecycle.
The conversation touches on key factors influencing sustainable PCB production, including the energy required to process different materials, copper waste during fabrication, and the demand for materials with lower VOC emissions. Thompson also discusses halogen-free materials, PFAS considerations, and design strategies, such as reducing unnecessary board layers to support cleaner, more sustainable electronics manufacturing.
LaRont says, “Our listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how sustainability initiatives are influencing PCB material development and what design and manufacturing teams should consider as they work toward greener electronics.”
PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics can be heard on Apple, Spotify or at I-Connect007.
Testimonial
"We’re proud to call I-Connect007 a trusted partner. Their innovative approach and industry insight made our podcast collaboration a success by connecting us with the right audience and delivering real results."
Julia McCaffrey - NCAB GroupSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/01/2026 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007If it feels like the PCB industry is accelerating faster than ever, you’re not imagining it. From advanced materials driven by AI applications to renewed investment in domestic manufacturing—and the next generation stepping into critical roles—there’s a lot shifting at once. My selections for this week highlight where the pressure points are forming, and where the opportunities are emerging.
Electronics Manufacturing Needs Your Voice: Global Sentiment Survey Now Live
04/30/2026 | Global Electronics AssociationThe latest monthly Global Sentiment Survey from the Global Electronics Association is now open. At a time when demand uncertainty, policy shifts, energy costs, and supply chain recalibration are pulling the industry in multiple directions, the survey captures something macroeconomic data often misses: how manufacturers are actually experiencing conditions on the ground.
From Backbone to Breakthroughs: I-Connect007 Wraps PCB Materials Series with Focus on Innovation
05/06/2026 | I-Connect007I-Connect007 wraps up its six-part podcast series, PCB Materials: The Backbone and Future of Electronics, with Episode 6 and a discussion focusing on innovation. In Episode 6, Marcy LaRont speaks with Isola CTO Kirk Thompson about a critical turning point for the PCB industry as innovation accelerates. As data rates climb and demands from AI infrastructure, power density, flexible electronics, photonics, and chiplet integration intensify, traditional material assumptions are no longer sufficient.
Jiva Soluboard Getting the Attention It Deserves
04/30/2026 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007 MagazineJiva is a newer company that bridges the divide between PCB fabrication and product circularity or sustainability. Jiva Soluboard is the first fully recyclable laminate material ever created for PCB fabrication, and it's not going unnoticed. Stephen Driver, CEO of Jiva, gave us an update at APEX EXPO, including an exciting certification achievement in February.
Driving Innovation: Selecting the Right Laser Source
04/28/2026 | Simon Khesin -- Column: Driving InnovationWhen I first joined Schmoll Maschinen, I brought experience from almost every PCB process, except for laser. As I immersed myself in laser processing, I realized why it can seem so daunting to a newcomer. The complexity arises from three intersecting factors: A vast variety of laser sources: CO2, UV-nano, green-pico, UV-pico, IR-pico, and others; a diverse range of applications: Drilling, cutting, ablation, and more; and an extensive list of materials: These have vastly different absorption rates. Choosing the right machine or laser source is rarely trivial. Even for experienced engineers, answering "Which source is best?" requires examining the business's specific goals.