Jiva Materials Collaborates with the University of Glasgow to Advance Biodegradable Circuit Boards for High-Speed Electronics
We’re proud to share that Jiva Materials has been featured in a new research paper from the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, highlighting a major step forward in the development of biodegradable printed circuit boards (PCBs) for next-generation electronics.
Transforming Electronics Through Material Innovation
As electronic waste continues to increase worldwide, printed circuit boards (PCBs) remain a significant source of concern. Conventional PCBs, made from glass-fibre and epoxy materials, cannot be easily recycled and often contain toxic flame retardants or ‘forever chemicals’ (PFAs).
Jiva Materials has developed Soluboard®, the world’s first biodegradable PCB substrate, made from natural fibres such as jute and flax bound with a water-soluble polymer resin. At the end of a product’s life, the board can be dissolved in hot water, allowing valuable materials such as copper and electronic components to be recovered and recycled, dramatically reducing landfill waste and embodied carbon.
A Breakthrough in Sustainable High-Frequency Performance
Researchers at the University of Glasgow, led by Dr Mahmoud Wagih, collaborated with Jiva to assess the RF (radio frequency) and high-speed signal capabilities of Soluboard®. The joint study found that Soluboard® supports wireless signal transmission at frequencies exceeding 4 GHz – suitable for technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and RFID – and can handle data rates over 3 Gbps without distortion, covering interfaces such as HDMI and USB.
These findings mark a pivotal advancement, demonstrating that eco-friendly substrates can perform on par with conventional PCB materials, even in high-speed electronic systems.
Dr Mahmoud Wagih, Reader at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, said:
“We’re pleased to be working with Jiva Materials on this project, which could have a major impact on reducing the carbon footprint of the electronics industry. Moving towards more sustainable, recyclable electronics is vitally important to help reduce the impact of our technology sector, particularly with the rise of single-use devices across the industry.Working with natural and plant-based circuit materials is inherently challenging, particularly in wireless applications for RF and microwave applications. Together with our partners at JIVA Materials, we are developing new designs which improve the circuits’ efficiency, accelerating the adoption of green PCBs.
The way forward is to co-design the materials with the specifications for meeting the wireless RF specifications, coming up with antenna and radio designs which meet the size and performance requirements of end users, particularly in consumer applications.”
A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Electronics
The collaboration reflects a shared ambition between academia and industry to redefine electronic materials through sustainability and performance.
Stephen Driver, CEO of Jiva Materials, commented:
“At Jiva we are committed to making both consumer and industrial PCBs more sustainable. PCBs are a critical component for all electronics and are the silent and invisible polluter. The complex demands on what appears to be a simple component are challenging, and changing the resin’s reinforcement materials to biodegradable alternatives requires extensive testing and analysis.We are delighted to be working with the team at the University of Glasgow. Their support and feedback is invaluable, and the continued association will drive the changes needed to achieve higher electrical performance without compromising the environmental credentials.”
Supporting the Circular Economy in Electronics
The research forms part of a wider programme led by the University of Glasgow’s Responsible Electronics and Circular Technology Centre (REACT) – one of five UKRI-backed Green Economy Centres developing sustainable solutions for industrial sectors. The work is supported through the EPSRC “EDIBLES” Project, the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA), and the UKRI Responsible Electronic and Circular Technologies (REACT) Centre [UKRI240].
Together, these initiatives aim to accelerate the transition toward responsible, circular, and low-carbon electronics manufacturing.
At Jiva Materials, we believe the future of electronics must be circular, biodegradable, and designed for recovery. Collaborations like this with world-class research institutions demonstrate that sustainability and performance can – and must – coexist.