Computerworld has an article about two Australian engineers who have invented ‘Circuits in Plastic’ technology. CIP designs aim to be more environmentally friendly than traditional circuits as they can be made from recycled plastic, don’t contain any hazardous substances, and since packaging is part of the base circuit board, there is no need for additional packaging material. As an added bonus, different 3D shaped circuits can be made using CIP, which are also waterproof.

No more ruining cell phones by getting them wet! The hope is that the technology will reduce the amount of toxic electronic waste in landfills, as even with lead-free technology, etching of existing printed circuit boards (and disposal of the chemicals) is a significant issue during manufacturing.

Plastic circuits to make tougher, greener computers