Compostable circuits could slash environmental impact of electronics
Published: 2 February 2026
UofG researchers have developed a new method of printing zinc-based electronic circuits on environmentally-friendly surfaces including paper and bioplastics. Once the circuits are no longer needed, 99% of their materials can be disposed of safely through ordinary soil composting or by dissolving in widely available chemicals like vinegar. The research aims to address the growing problem of electronic waste or e-waste, caused by the materials used in the construction of modern electronic devices.