Green electronics with biodegradable circuit boards
Not only is the casing of this computer mouse made from biodegradable material, but so is its circuit board (Image: Empa)
October 7, 2025 – Researchers at Empa have developed a fully biodegradable printed circuit board made entirely from wood instead of petroleum-based resins. The new material, created within the EU project HyPELignum, is composed of cellulose and lignin – natural components of wood – and can be used for functional electronics such as computer mice and RFID cards.
The substrate is produced by grinding and pressing lignocellulose into a dense, solid sheet, with lignin acting as a natural binder. These boards offer similar strength to conventional epoxy types but can be safely composted after use. This provides a sustainable solution that matches the short lifespan of many electronic products.
Empa and its partners aim to enhance the material and develop demonstration models for industrial use. Running until 2026, the HyPELignum project focuses on COâ‚‚-neutral electronics made from renewable, wood-based resources.
