A tech startup in Vancouver is turning heads with its breakthrough in biodegradable circuit board technology, offering a sustainable alternative to the e-waste generated by modern electronics. The company, GreenTrace Technologies, claims its new line of boards can decompose in natural environments within weeks after disposal.
Traditional printed circuit boards (PCBs) are typically made from fiberglass, epoxy resin, and heavy metals—materials that pose long-term environmental hazards when discarded. In contrast, GreenTrace's design uses plant-based substrates and water-soluble conductors, eliminating toxic components entirely.
The startup's co-founder, Anjali Mehta, said the project began as a university research initiative but quickly gained attention from environmental investors. 'We saw an urgent need to rethink the materials behind our electronics,' she explained. 'Our mission is to align technology with ecological responsibility.'
The biodegradable boards are targeted at low-power devices such as smart tags, environmental sensors, and disposable medical electronics—markets where short product life cycles often result in large volumes of waste. The company is already working with several clients on pilot projects.
While still in its early stages, the innovation has drawn interest from sustainability advocates and global tech firms alike. GreenTrace recently secured a $2.4 million grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada to expand its manufacturing capacity and perform long-term field tests.
Critics note that scalability and durability remain concerns. The boards must perform reliably without degrading prematurely, especially in variable climates. Mehta acknowledges these challenges but emphasizes that product refinement is ongoing. 'We’re not trying to replace all circuit boards overnight—but we are proving what’s possible,' she said.
E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world, with Canada generating over 750,000 tonnes annually. Most of it ends up in landfills or is shipped abroad for processing, often under poor labor and environmental conditions.
If successful, GreenTrace’s innovation could position Vancouver as a leader in green tech and circular electronics manufacturing. The company plans to open a demonstration facility by the end of the year and hopes to inspire a broader industry shift toward sustainable hardware design.