Japanese based Mobile Solutions business NEC has developed a new form of bio-plastic that could be used in the production of mobile phones. 70% of the bio-plastic is made from a mixture of cellulose, which is a main component of plant stems, along with cardanol which is a primary component of cashew nut shells.
Most bio-plastics currently include large amounts of oil-based additives. The cellulose used in the new bio-plastic is produced in large amounts by plants which are an abundant resource and are often discarded by-products of agriculture processes.
This new bio-plastic is good news for the mobile phone recycling industry. It could help resolve issues such as the huge problem of e-waste from discarded mobile phones that are not properly recycled, and the problem of non-degradable waste from parts of the phones that can’t be recycled.
It will also alleviate the use of carbon based materials which are currently used to make new handsets – again, this is good news for the environment.
NEC are planning to continue their research and development towards mass production of this new bio plastic and improve it so that it can potentionally be used for a wide range of electronic equipment. They expect it to be made available for commercial use in around three years time.