Dell explores dissolvable circuit boards in laptops 

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In Texas, Dell Technologies has launched a prototype laptop featuring biobased components as it looks to increase product content and packaging from recycled or renewable materials as one lever for cutting emissions in half by 2030. 

The prototype is part of Concept Luna, a “parallel innovation workstream” with Intel aimed at accelerating circular design in electronics. While not intended for commercial sale, the Concept Luna prototype features a printed circuit board made with flax fiber in the base and water-soluble polymer as the glue. 

“What’s noteworthy here is that the flax fiber replaces traditional plastic laminates,” Dell says in a blog. “And even better, the water-soluble polymer can dissolve – meaning recyclers can more easily separate metals and components from the boards.”  The Luna unveil follows Dell’s launch in May 2021 of Precision 3560 and Latitude 5320 laptops in India that use bioplastic from tree waste. 

Dell also aims to use 100% renewable energy by 2040 and cut supply chain emissions per unit of revenue by 60%.