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Sustainability and Selective Soldering S ustainability is more than just a buzzword for the electronics industry; it's a key goal for all manufacturing processes. This is more than a box-ticking exercise or simply doing a small part for environmentally friendly processes. Moving toward sustainable solutions drives innovation and operational efficiency. Reducing wastage in manufacturing can make processes more cost-efficient, thereby increasing the manufacturer's profit. Safety also must be considered. We all have trusted products for certain tasks, but it's not news to anyone working in electronics that many chemicals are hazardous. As an industry, we've moved away from leaded solder and adapted well to alternatives. There's no reason we can't adapt to other elements of the manufacturing process. This article will explore the initiatives driven by the Global Electronics Association, the inclusion of sustainability as a topic at IPC APEX EXPO (and the articles presented therein), and how selective sol- dering as a manufacturing process can contribute to sustainability. A Growing Momentum The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) recently launched Evolve, a program des- igned to help companies accel- erate their move to sustainable processes. This platform brings together relevant articles, edu- cational materials, industry stan- dards, and event information. 58 SMT007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2025 A RT I C L E B y D r. S a m u e l J. M c M a ste r, P i l l a r h o u s e I n te r n a t i o n a l