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NPEP Success Story: Benchmark Electronics
Benchmark Electronics Reduces Lead by 54%
Benchmark Electronics, Hudson division, is an electronics contract manufacturer of printed circuit board assemblies and electronic systems located in New Hampshire. We produce many different sized printed circuit board assemblies using lead-bearing solder to provide the electrical interconnect.
Benchmark's NPEP Goal
Benchmark Electronics Hudson division joined NPEP in July of 2005. We set an NPEP goal to reduce the amount of lead procured from 15,312 pounds to 13,781 pounds (10%). Lead is used in bar solder and solder paste for electronics manufacturing.
Source Reduction, Recycling, and Recovery Alternatives Considered
The European Union instituted the Restriction of Hazardous Substance (RoHS) directive in 2006. This directive bans six hazardous substances, including lead, in manufactured electronic devices. The restriction of lead has the largest impact on Benchmark Electronics and the electronics industry because of its historical and technological use.
Alternative lead-free solders have been developed and tested and a standard lead-free alloy has been chosen for use by the electronics industry.
Hurdles Faced
The RoHS directive allows many exemptions, including the use of leaded solders for specific industries and applications. This exemption has provided many companies the option to convert to the use of lead-free solders or to continue using leaded solders. If a company is not exempt, the European Union requires it to use lead-free solder. If a company only sells products in the U.S., it is not required to use lead-free solder. We collaborated with all of our customers, exempt and non-exempt.
Waste Minimization Results
We surpassed our NPEP goal by reducing the amount of lead procured from 15,312 to 8,274 pounds (54%). We achieved this reduction by switching to the use of a lead-free alloy and by decommissioning leaded equipment. We also plan to reduce our use of lead further in the future.
Lessons Learned
One of the key lessons learned is the importance of developing a partnership and a lead-free transition strategy with our customers. Benchmark Electronics has provided the technological data required to manage the transition and resulting elimination of lead-bearing solder. This collaboration includes customers who are exempt, not exempt, and not covered by the RoHS directive.