1996 Electronics Industry Environmental Roadmap - Civil and ...

Introduction
These kinds of cross-company/cross-industry challenges have led MCC to establish environmentally
conscious manufacturing as a priority for its ongoing program of consortial research.
1.2 Why MCC?
As a research and development consortium, MCC is dedicated to providing a forum through
which diverse interests can convene, share intelligence, map requirements, and pursue a highly
leveraged program of industrially-focused research. Furthermore, as a venture operating under
the auspices of the National Cooperative Research Act of 1984, companies who participate in
consortia such as MCC can do so relatively free of concerns about frivolous anti-trust actions, to
the extent their cooperation remains within the bounds of the Act. Therefore, it is consistent with
MCC’s mission—and, some would argue, a responsibility of an organization like MCC—to
pursue critical issues that are inherently multi-company, multi-industry, or multidisciplinary, or
better addressed in a leveraged, collaborative manner.
Since 1983, MCC has pursued an aggressive program of research and development in several
areas of advanced electronics. MCC’s work has placed it among the leaders in advanced
integrated circuit packaging and interconnect, including issues associated with equipment,
processes and materials. In carrying out this research effort, MCC has addressed a variety of
challenges that affect the environmental impact of the resulting products, including lead
alternatives, additive processes, and other cutting edge issues. The relevant projects have been
carried out in a consortial manner—based on the collaboration of many of the nation’s leading
electronics companies. These activities have provided MCC with significant experience in many
of the areas that are emerging as environmental priorities in evolving technologies.
1.3 Priorities from the 1994 Roadmap
The 1994 Roadmap addressed key environmental issues for integrated circuit (IC) packaging,
printed wiring boards (PWBs) and their assembly, and displays. The 1994 Roadmap also addressed
business and strategic planning issues, disposition and end-of-life management, and
regulations and standards.
One objective of the 1996 Roadmap is to look at the priorities identified in the 1994 Electronics
Industry Environmental Roadmap and, through a review process, select the top priority issues
that warrant attention in the near term. A sub-group of the Advisory Committee met several
times over a period of three months to identify the top priority issues listed below, and
categorized them as strategic, longer-term or tactical, near-term goals. In addition to making the
issues identified in the previous roadmap more specific, the sub-group suggests organizations
that may be appropriate to address the identified priority need. Table 1-1 lists the needs and a
sampling of tasks that resulted from the sub-group discussions, and categorized according to the
type of need—strategic or tactical. They are listed in descending order of importance.
Many of these issues are addressed in greater detail in the remainder of this report. Specifically,
the agenda for the 1996 Roadmap has identified several issues that cut across these priorities, and
addresses each in the following chapters:
Strategic Business Opportunities,
Information and Knowledge Systems,
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