Sustainable Electronics

Background

As the world transitions towards greener economies, the challenge of developing sustainable, circular approaches to electronics has become critical. Electronic devices underpin every part of modern life, yet their manufacture, use, and disposal involve significant environmental costs.

European strategies call for smarter, greener solutions across the electronics lifecycle, making sustainable electronics a focal point for research, policy, and industrial transformation.

The Ferns Project

The Ferns project, led by Tyndall National Institute and funded under Horizon Europe, is dedicated to training the next generation of research talent to reimagine how electronics are made, used, and reused.

Its interdisciplinary network spans leading universities, research institutes, and industry innovators, all working together to redefine how electronic devices are conceived, shifting from linear production models to modular, repairable, and biodegradable systems.

The Ferns project is laying the foundation for a circular electronics economy, blending advanced eco-design, new materials, and responsible manufacturing into actionable impact for society.

About the Sustainable Electronics Helix

The Sustainable Electronics Helix is built to accelerate the impact and reach of Ferns, operating as a vibrant hub that brings together experts in research, innovation, and industry. Through Crowdhelix’s trusted collaboration model, the Helix enables:

• Rapid matchmaking with partners from over 800 organisations and 37 countries, driving cross-sector innovation and EU project development.
• Dissemination and exploitation of Ferns’ results in open forums, events, and online exchanges accessible to thousands of active members.
• Community-led insight into sustainable materials, circular business models, policy, and social impact, connecting members to funding opportunities, syndicated knowledge, and the latest advancements in sustainable electronics.

The Sustainable Electronics Helix supports industry stakeholders by connecting them with emerging research and practical expertise in circular electronics, informed by the Ferns project’s application-led approach. This community provides a space for organisations to collaborate, exchange knowledge, and advance sustainable solutions relevant to evolving market and regulatory expectations.