IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
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• Simplify certification path: CleanScreen incorporates IPC- 1402, showcasing potential compliance to help suppliers pre-screen formulations for conformance. CleanScreen also streamlines the certification process for other programs like GreenScreen Certified, ToxFMD Screened Chemistry®, U.S. EPA Safer Choice, and GreenScreen Certified. • Identify improvement areas: CleanScreen pinpoints ingre- dients that may hinder compli- ance with certification programs and offers resources for next steps. • Actionable reports: Generates detailed safety profiles for each ingredient to share with cus- tomers and stakeholders, clearly demonstrating a commitment to safety and regulatory compli- ance. • Highlight proactive commit- ment: Showcase your com- mitment to safer chemistry by joining the ChemWorks Certi- fied Product Registry, which enhances visibility with global electronics brands. To date, 25 products have been certified, strengthening supplier access to major manufacturers. In December 2024, ChemFOR- WARD joined IPC's webinar on IPC-1402 to demonstrate how CleanScreen helps suppliers rapidly screen formulations and create safety profiles for B2B communica- tions. CleanScreen is available for free for a limited time, giving companies a risk-free opportunity to optimize their products and align with indus- try standards. Tackling PFAS Regulations surrounding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are becoming increasingly complex and challenging to navi- gate. They underscore a growing focus on the potential health and environmental impacts posed by entire chemical classes, raising the stakes for suppliers. For sup- pliers, staying on top of evolving PFAS restrictions—such as those proposed by the EU, U.S. Toxic Sub- stances Control Act (TSCA), and state-level laws—requires detailed chemical data and information on safer alternatives. Even if some essential uses are exempt, man- ufacturers are keen to phase out PFAS to avoid multiple rounds of reformulation. Moving to alternatives can feel overwhelming, especially given the speed at which regulations are going into effect. ChemFORWARD's Electronics Safer Chemistry Collab- orative is tackling this together by identifying potential alternatives for common high-use applications and vetting them using the shared chemical hazard Data Trust to avoid regrettable substitutions. In addition, ChemFORWARD is working with IBM and other collab- orators in an NSF-funded initiative to accelerate the discovery of safer alternatives—through generative AI—and simplifies PFAS screening. The collaboration aims to simplify PFAS identification, speed up the identification of safer substitutes, and recommend methods to capture PFAS from industrial appli- cations until replacements are found. The Power of Community The development and adoption of CleanScreen exemplifies the power of collaboration within the IPC community. By working together, we can: • Share knowledge and resources: Pooling our expertise and data allows us to address complex challenges more effectively. • Accelerate innovation: Collabo- rative efforts drive the develop- ment of safer alternatives and more sustainable practices. • Elevate industry standards: By aligning with initiatives like CleanScreen, we raise the bar for environmental and worker safety. • Create a cleaner, safer future: Through collective action, we can minimize our industry's environmental impact and pro- tect worker health. The IPC community has a vital role to play in shaping the future of electronics manufacturing. By embracing collaboration and lever- aging tools like the Chemical Haz- ard Data Trust and CleanScreen, we can ensure a more sustainable and safer tomorrow. For more information on IPC-1402, and ChemFORWARD's CleanScreen App, visit IPC Sustainability for Electronics online IPC COMMUNITY 76 SPRING 2025