Sustainable and green electronics for circular economy
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 6 266 512 |
| Project duration | May 2023 - May 2026 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Chips Joint Undertaking – an EU program to strengthen competitiveness in semiconductors |
Important results from the project
The project developed a sustainable sensor system for incontinence products consisting of a single-use sensor label, a reusable reader with wireless transmission of sensor data, and a mobile app with notification for timely product change. The sensor labels were manufactured mainly by screen printing on paper, and this manufacturing was also successfully scaled up to roll-to-roll manufacturing. Life cycle assessment provided important insights into the environmental impact of the system.
Expected long term effects
Over time, the developed application is expected to contribute to more personalized care and reduced pressure on the healthcare system. Knowledge and expertise gained will support design and development of more sustainable products, manufacturing methods, and software with lower environmental impact. Furthermore, strengthened knowledge, innovation, and collaboration—particularly in printed electronics—create strong conditions for continued technological development and future initiatives.
Approach and implementation
At the beginning of the project, requirements for the use case specific pilots were defined and used to guide the development of materials, manufacturing processes and components for later use in the pilots. The development of the pilots took place iteratively in three generations with increasing complexity and integration of technologies developed in the project. Each manufactured pilot generation underwent testing and validation as well as life cycle analysis to ensure sustainability.