TactoTek and TNO at Holst Centre have entered a strategic relationship

This partnership is dedicated to fostering an ecosystem focused on sustainability and recycling, with a particular emphasis on developing methods for recycling IMSE solutions, which encapsulate circuitry and electronic components within 3D plastics. Both entities are united in their ambitious goal to make IMSE components the pioneering examples of fully circular electronic devices.

TNO at Holst Centre, recognised globally for its innovation and research leadership in printed and flexible electronics as well as environmental impact studies, brings a wealth of expertise to this collaboration.

Jeroen van den Brand, Department Manager of Printed Electronics at Holst Centre, highlighted the environmental advantages of TactoTek's IMSE technology: “TactoTek’s IMSE platforms inherently provide substantial sustainability benefits by significantly reducing the number of components and amount of materials required for electronic solutions. Solving the challenge of separating diverse materials in an IMSE part we can approach circularity for IMSE and certain other types of rigid and flexible printed electronics solutions.”

As a frontrunner and innovator in IMSE technology, TactoTek integrates printed electronics and electronic components within 3D injection-moulded plastics, creating intelligent surfaces for applications such as lighting and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). With IMSE technology being licensed by some of the world's leading manufacturers, the potential for scalability in sustainability efforts is significant.

TactoTek’s CTO, Antti Keränen, underscored the critical importance of striving for complete circularity in the electronics sector, given the increasing presence of electronics in various markets including automotive, appliances, IoT, and more. He stated: “Electronics content is increasing across many markets, including automotive, appliances, IoT, and others, therefore, driving to full circularity for electronics is an important aspect of achieving global greenhouse gas emissions reduction and sustainability.”

Keränen expressed optimism about the partnership with TNO at Holst Centre, saying: “TNO at Holst Centre has earned its reputation as a premiere research institution and TactoTek is enthusiastic about our partnership to create the next generation of fully recyclable electronics. Together we can assess techniques that span design, production, and post-use reclamation.”