Recently, 76% of executive respondents to a survey said they anticipate their company's business objectives to be affected by natural resources strategy in the next 3 to 5 years. Why? Materials Tech
Harvey Stone
TFI Environmental Consultant
co-developer of DfE Online(TM)
Comments
Harvey is right -- why would anyone rationally assume that the materials we use in electronics would NOT run out at some point? And with the population numbers Harvey gives + growing consumerism, it makes sense that economic/low-risk availability of some electronics materials is getting pinched.
So, should the industry learn how to specify smart, alternative materials in designs (as part of a Design-for-Environment strategy)? Yes. That's a strategy to reduce business risk and -- depending on the benefits and visibility of the new materials -- gain market-share advantage.
Pamela J. Gordon, Technology Forecasters Inc., USA
