# Designing to be Green Eco Tech Disassembly By Pearl | Published 2008-05-20 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/active-disassembly-eco-action-technology-for-recycling-electronics References: [hyperexperience](http://hyperexperience.com/?p=1065) & [activedisassembly](http://www.activedisassembly.com/index2.html) Our appetite for electronic goods, especially [cell phones and computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/efficient-computer), is so voracious, we are now threatening to deplete valuable resources and generate huge amounts of toxic materials at the same time. [Recycling of electronic goods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crimper-recycling-program), when it happens, is difficult, potentially hazardous and immensely labour intensive. **Active Disassembly**'s alternative manufacturing technique uses shape memory and smart polymer components for connectors and fasteners so that individual components can be disassembled in seconds. These shape memory parts hold their shape until a set temperature is applied to pop them apart, releasing components without much handling. Designing electronics for the environment makes sense if you use a [modular approach](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bfriends-power-module) so that the components can be easily built and just as easily disassembled for maintenance or recycling at the end of the product's life. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Modular Electronics:** Designing electronics with a modular approach allows for easy disassembly for maintenance and recycling at the end of the product's life. - **Active Disassembly:** Active Disassembly's alternative manufacturing technique utilizing shape memory and smart polymer components allows for quick and easy disassembly of individual components. - **Eco-friendly Manufacturing:** Manufacturing electronics with eco-friendly techniques, such as Active Disassembly, can help to reduce waste and the depletion of valuable resources. ### Where This Applies - **Electronics Industry:** The electronics industry can benefit from designing modular electronics and utilizing eco-friendly manufacturing techniques to reduce waste and efficiently recycle components. - **Recycling Industry:** The recycling industry can benefit from the use of modular electronics and eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, which can result in easier and safer recycling of electronic components. - **Manufacturing Industry:** The manufacturing industry can benefit from incorporating eco-friendly manufacturing techniques and utilizing active disassembly to save on labour and materials for recycling while improving product quality and adherence to environmental standards. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Made Dissolvable E-Waste](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pape.md) - [Sustainable Laptop Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dell-concept-luna.md) - [Tool-less Repairable Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-luna.md) - [Adaptable Tech Hardware](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hone-pro.md) - [E-Waste Take-Back Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tech-take-back-box.md) - [Electronic Packaging-Made Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edgar-stool.md) - [Modular Sustainable Phones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-fairphone-6.md) - [Modular EV Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aria-2.md) - [Detachable Component Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-smartphone-design.md)