Exploring the industrial packaging of components for complex electrical products and its sustainability and circularity

Abstract: This master’s thesis explores the sustainability and the circularity of industrial packaging of components for complex electronic products. The research aims to gain insight into the structure of the packaging system between the suppliers and the manufacturers (EMS) and evaluate its circularity to identify the opportunities and challenges for future improvement. The study examines the packaging for components used in two products. All components are sourced from Asia and handled at the manufacturing and assembly unit (EMS). By analyzing the used packaging materials recycling rates, it is determined that the packaging of product A and B have recycling rates of 74% and 88% respectively. The research also utilizes environmental indicators including, the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) and Carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2-eq) to assess the environmental impact of different packaging materials. Together with a sustainable packaging scorecard analysis the packaging materials to avoid or replace if possible were identified to be bubble wrap, plastic covers and Styrofoam. Challenges related to varying recycling conditions and lack of universal packaging language are recognized, highlighting the need for improved communication and documentation in the supply chain. Recommendations are provided to improve the accessibility and documentation of packaging information, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions to improve the sustainability and circularity. The study suggests a comprehensive life cycle assessment for high accuracy and visibility. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the sustainability and circularity of the industrial packaging for complex electronic products. The analysis of recycling rates, environmental impact indicators, and challenges associated with circularity contributes to the understanding of the packaging system in this case study. The findings provide guidance to stakeholders to adopt more sustainable packaging approaches and contribute to the development of a circular economy.