Elephantech seeks strategic partners for sustainable PCB manufacturing in response to surging demand

Elephantech Inc., the primary firm on the planet to efficiently manufacture Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) utilizing metallic inkjet printing, is searching for strategic companions to scale up manufacturing in gentle of rising demand.

Masaaki Sugimoto, Co-founder and Board Director of Elephantech, joined the InnoVex Startup Exhibition in Taipei on the invitation of Epoch Basis throughout Computex 2024, advised DIGITIMES Asia that the corporate is seeing vital development in demand, because of the decarbonization development that draws new prospects.

“We’re in search of strategic companions who might help us construct a steady provide chain collectively,” mentioned Sugimoto. He defined that for the reason that metallic inkjet PCB is a really new course of, Elephantech must collaborate tightly with different extra skilled provide chain companions as a result of it’s tough for itself to develop its capability.

Elephantech has signed an MOU with Liteon Applied sciences to introduce its additive manufacturing know-how and collaborate in producing versatile PCBs. Its buyers embrace Epson, Mitsui Chemical, Sumitomo, and many others. These strategic buyers have been very useful in increase Elephantech’s prototypes, proof-of-concept, and ultimately manufacturing services and provide chain administration system.

The standard manner of producing PCBs is susceptible to supply huge poisonous air pollution and is wasteful of water and supplies as a result of etching course of. Elephantech’s mission – “Make the world sustainable with new manufacturing applied sciences” – lastly has began to resonate with prospects’ ESG objectives.

Decarbonization, being environmentally pleasant, and addressing local weather change are essential matters these days, and that has elevated buyer curiosity in Elephantech’s know-how. Sugimoto emphasised, “It is not nearly value; it is about making substantial adjustments. Setting clear objectives, like aiming for a temperature improve goal of 1.5 levels as an alternative of two.0 levels, as agreed upon at occasions like COP 26 in Glasgow, reveals how even a 0.5-degree distinction can have a major affect.”

This pressing want for change means shoppers are beneath strain to behave shortly. Bigger corporations, because of their measurement and affect, carry a major accountability on this context. “We’re at present at some extent the place challenges intersect with alternatives because of the heightened environmental consciousness worldwide,” mentioned Sugimoto.

Environmental consciousness has been round for a very long time, and persons are conscious of the dangerous results of poisonous substances. “Nevertheless, the essential facet now could be the timing,” mentioned Sugimoto.

Understanding why motion must be taken promptly is key. Partaking in science-based discussions is invaluable because it results in impactful outcomes.

These outcomes are influencing completely different sectors, together with the electronics trade and its suppliers. It is not nearly technological developments but in addition understanding and assembly finish customers’ wants and preferences.

Sugitomo mentioned there was a noticeable shift in buyer calls for and attitudes towards decarbonization applied sciences. Decarbonizing is not a priority of board members or firm house owners solely.

College students are additionally recognizing its worth for companies. This shift has turned decarbonization right into a advertising and marketing technique, as shoppers desire eco-friendly merchandise and are aware of environmental affect.

This transformation in shopper preferences has prompted advertising and marketing groups to collaborate with design groups to create merchandise utilizing sustainable applied sciences. Procurement groups are actually confronted with choices that align with these values, emphasizing the significance of embracing this transformative change.

Elephantech’s P-Flex PCB was licensed to UL94 V-0, a US security customary, in 2021. Its R&D heart was established in Shin-Kiba, Koto District of Tokyo.

Sugimoto is assured that Elephantech’s eco-friendly PCBs may be produced in nations with essentially the most rigorous environmental safety laws. The on-shoring demand for the digital provide chain is creating home windows of alternative for its market growth to the US and even Europe, mentioned Sugimoto, who emphasised that the corporate is able to go the place the shopper demand is. The corporate has efficiently raised Collection E financing (JPY3 billion) to speed up world growth in March 2024.

Truth Field

Supply: Elephantech, compiled by DIGITIMES Asia, June 2024