CIRC-UITS: A Shield Against ‘Chip Shortage’

Understanding MacDermid Alpha’s Role in Electronics Manufacturing

Before diving into the CIRC-UITS program, let’s explore MacDermid Alpha’s core functions, operational areas, and our role in the complex world of electronics manufacturing. 

“MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions is one of three entities within Element Solutions Inc.,” explains Daniele Perico. “Element Solutions includes MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, which develops, manufactures, and supplies materials for electronics; MacDermid Enthone, which focuses on the industrial sector; and MacDermid Offshore Fluids.” 

Daniele continues, “MacDermid Alpha is a key global supplier in the electronics materials market and operates in five core areas: 

• Circuit Board Assembly: Connecting, protecting, and reinforcing materials for higher reliability in advanced electronics assemblies. 
• Circuit Board Solutions: Chemistries for forming circuitry interconnections that improve reliability and performance. 
• Film and Smart Surfaces: Flexible and formable films, and circuit inks for efficient component design and haptic qualities. 
• Semiconductor Assembly: Bondline materials for connections and thermal management of power electronics, die attach, packaging, and camera modules. 
• Wafer Level Packaging: Materials that maximize semiconductor interconnection performance and reliability. 

Following our recent acquisition, Electrolube® products have been added to our range of protective materials. This gives us a significant advantage, allowing us to offer chemically compatible materials and expand our expertise across multiple levels. Additionally, advanced products from our Film and Smart Surface Solutions business are shaping the future of automotive interior displays.” 

What Is the CIRC-UITS Project?

We participate in the European consortium CIRC-UITS. What does this project involve? 

“CIRC-UITS is a Research & Development program co-funded by the European Union under the Horizon program,” explains Claudio Travi. “The 2020 supply chain disruptions sparked the launch of this initiative. It aims to enhance circularity in the automotive and mass electronics sectors by recovering materials from landfills and reusing electronic components—sometimes by repurposing them entirely. 

The project is closely tied to the European Chips Act, which aims to double chip production in Europe by 2030. With limited access to raw material mines and a growing volume of electronics waste, the EU is funding efforts to shift from a linear to a circular economy. Politecnico di Milano leads the project.” 

How Did MacDermid Alpha Get Involved? 

“Stellantis, the automotive manufacturer, directly invited us to join the consortium,” Claudio adds. “They recognized our expertise in materials from the extraction stage, which is critical for guiding the shift toward a circular economy.” 

We chose to participate because we believe in the urgent need to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. The environmental impact of semiconductors and electronics demands alternative manufacturing methods—and we’re uniquely positioned to help. 

The chip shortage triggered this project, and we’re fully aligned with European directives. We’re confident in our decision to participate, as it supports the new standards soon to be implemented across the EU. For example, DIN (German Institute for Standardization) is also part of the consortium. We align our innovation strategies with Tier-1 automotive suppliers to Stellantis. 

Why Does Material Selection Matter for Sustainability? 

Claudio, drawing on his experience in the automotive electronics supply chain, explains: 

“Material selection is crucial in electronics manufacturing because it directly affects the CO₂ footprint. This impact comes not only from the materials themselves but also from the processes used and how products are managed at end-of-life. 

Sustainability means reducing energy, water, and mineral use, and improving recycling. We have the expertise to assess recovered materials at the R&D level, comparing them to virgin materials and industry standards before bringing them to market. 

Our scientists and engineers—based in Asia, the US, and Europe—use advanced tools to evaluate materials on a physicochemical basis. This allows us to understand the impact of each material. In CIRC-UITS, we work with Tier-1 suppliers and OEMs to validate the quality of recycled materials and prove they can replace virgin ones without compromising performance.” 

What Are the Four Pilot Projects in CIRC-UITS? 

“Three of the four pilot projects are automotive-related, and one focuses on recycling printed circuit boards (PCBs),” Claudio explains. “The PCB project uses artificial intelligence (AI) for high-level vision recognition of components on recovered boards to assess their reusability. This includes data cataloging, recycling, and warehouse management of recovered parts.” 

One pilot, led by Bosch, involves an intelligent control unit. We’re evaluating the impact of alternative technologies—such as replacing SAC305 solder alloy with low-temperature solder pastes (LTS) and switching from electroless copper metallization to direct metallization. 

Another project focuses on a Continental pressure sensor that was originally designated for disposal. We proposed recycling options using alternative base materials and metallization processes with a lower environmental impact. 

The final pilot explores In-Mold Electronics (IME)—embedding electronic elements into molded plastic goods. This project, in collaboration with Dutch research center TNO, is supported by our Films and Smart Surface Solutions business. We’re supplying hardcoated films and silver, dielectric, and carbon inks. The goal is to make these structures reworkable, increasing yields and moving away from the outdated model where a single component failure meant discarding the entire device. 

What’s Next for MacDermid Alpha After CIRC-UITS? 

Claudio concluded, “CIRC-UITS is a three-year project scheduled to conclude at the end of 2025. Even after its completion, we expect to engage in related initiatives. At MacDermid Alpha, we are committed to staying closely aligned with future demands in the automotive and consumer electronics industries. The experience we've gained through this project has strengthened our ability to support partners and customers with even more reliable, forward-thinking solutions—helping to drive progress across the industry.”