Beyond FR-4: A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Traditional and Green PCB Substrates

This study compares the environmental impacts of traditional and biodegradable PCB substrate materials using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in GaBi (version number 9.2.1.68). It presents the first cradle-to-grave model of FR4-based rigid PCBs. Results show that conventional substrates (FR4, PI) have high global warming potential (~20 kg CO2-eq/kg) and energy use, with poor recyclability. Biodegradable alternatives (PLA, PBAT) show much lower impacts (~4 kg CO2-eq/kg) and better end-of-life performance. PET offers moderate recyclable performance, while paper (~6 kg CO2-eq/kg) is fully biodegradable and recyclable. Overall, biodegradable substrates, especially PLA, PBAT, and paper, provide clear sustainability advantages, with PET as a practical transitional option.