In a bid to reduce the amount of plastic created each year by the electronic component industry, the connector manufacturers Harwin and Nicomatic have partnered with biomaterial innovation specialist The New Materialist.

Under the newly launched Nivora initiative, the organizations are to develop regenerative biomaterials capable of replacing the traditional plastics used for the connector industry, including for high-performance and high-reliability units.

Regenerative biomaterials are bio-based polymers that have been created using processes that actively restore natural systems. The initiative seeks to address the connector industry’s sustainability, establishing new standards and promoting the broader adoption of bio-sourced materials in place of petroleum-based plastics.

Last year, approximately 1.2 billion connectors were shipped worldwide and this is forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2028. This equates to thousands of tons of petrochemical plastic such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) being generated each year for the connector housings alone, with more wasted in production. Source: Harwin

The switch to regenerative biomaterials will enable a significant improvement in sustainability for the industry, with the initiative seeking to replace existing plastics with bio-based polymers to deliver positive environmental and socio-economic impacts.

Initial testing will concentrate on mechanical, thermal and electrical properties, with a streamlined approach to characterization to ensure responsiveness.

The Nivora project uses an open ecosystem for material development that is driven by a shared philosophy of "building with, rather than against."

"Our collaboration with Nicomatic and Harwin exemplifies our commitment to accelerating the transition towards a hight performance bio-based industry," said Baptiste Arribe, representing The New Materialist. "Nivora is not just about developing new materials; it's about co-creating a regenerative ecosystem that integrates local resources and circular economy principles from the outset."

Key objectives of the Nivora Project:

● Prototype development: Produce a first prototype using regenerative materials.

● Consortium structuring: Define a clear structure for a future consortium, engaging key stakeholders including technical experts, academic partners, compounders and local ecosystem players to attract new partners.

"This partnership is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for the electronics industry," stated Rémi Buchon from Nicomatic. "By openly collaborating and focusing on regenerative solutions, we aim to establish leadership and ownership in this critical area."

Sam Bennett from Harwin added, "Taking such an approach is incredibly important for the industry. We are committed to seeking more sustainable practices, with biomass and regenerative principles being key to our efforts. Of course, these materials need to meet our stringent technical specifications which is why we have partnered with The New Materialist, which is a truly innovative designer of emerging materials."

Next steps:

The project roadmap includes material development, building a short- and long-term regenerative strategy, and building an execution roadmap to place the developed material on the market.