Start-up Seeks Funding for Sustainable Circuit Board Material

UK start-up Jiva Materials is seeking funding to further commercialization of a circuit board material made from natural fibers and a hot water-soluble, biodegradable resin. Soluboard cuts lifecycle emissions by 68% versus standard FR‑4 glass fiber/epoxy resin PCBs, makes devices lighter and allows efficient recovery of valuable metals.

Soluboard combines natural fibers such as flax or jute with a non‑hazardous, water‑soluble biopolymer and a halogen‑free phosphorous flame retardant (UL94 V1 certification has been awarded). The exact chemical identity of this proprietary polymer is not publicly disclosed; it is described only as a biodegradable, non‑toxic, water‑soluble polymer engineered to dissolve in hot water at end of life.

To date, over 65 paid pilots have been completed with global electronics customers for what is a drop-in solution with no retooling requirements. According to Jiva, by 2030, the world will generate 82 million tonnes of e-waste annually, representing the fastest-growing waste stream. Circuit boards are a hidden driver—production is highly carbon intensive and disposal requires burning.

Jiva’s Soluboard CCL is optimized for etching, electroplating, drilling, routing and other standard PCB fabrication processes.

Water soluble polymer enables easy recycling of circuitboards. Image: Jiva Materials

Jiva has also achieved plated through hole (PTH) compatibility with Soluboard. The laminate can be processed through industry standard aqueous fabrication whilst retaining the ability to break down at end-of-life when immersed in hot water for sustained periods.

Soluboard has been tested to the of Printed Circuits (IPC) standards as is required for any new materials introduced into the PCB industry. Independent testing data compiled has also been gathered to produce a preliminary Technical Data Sheet for Soluboard.