Bridging the Gap: Integrating 9R Strategies for Circularity in Microelectronics

The growing scarcity of raw materials and global reliance on these natural resources underscore the critical importance of circularity in ICT and microelectronics. Current circular practices often focus on electronic products while overlooking essential microelectronic components, materials, and processes, revealing a significant gap in sustainable practices. This paper aims to evaluate the current state of circularity approaches and the application of the 9R Strategies at the component and microelectronics levels. We present best practice examples from the Green ICT @ FMD competence center and explore technological solutions that incorporate circularity principles across various domains, including the integration of longevity principles and process optimization. Based on our findings, we provide a comprehensive analysis of current practices and gaps concerning circularity at the microelectronic level.