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JUNE 2026 I SMT007 MAGAZINE 79 grown significantly. Recovered components can offer several advantages: Availability: Hard-to-find or obsolete parts can often be sourced through recovery when they are no longer in production. Cost efficiency: Recovered components can be more economical than sourcing through volatile spot markets. Sustainability: Extending the life of components reduces electronic waste and supports circular economy goals. Speed: Recovery processes can sometimes deliver parts faster than traditional procurement routes with long lead times. However, these benefits depend entirely on the quality and integrity of the recovery process. Component Recovery Industry Standard For many engineers and procurement profes- sionals, the idea of re-used components raises an immediate concern: reliability. This concern is valid. Electronic components are sensitive devices, and improper handling or recovery can compro- mise performance. The key difference is in how the recovery is performed. While best practices have evolved over time, the absence of a unified global standard has, until now, left room for skepticism. A new industry standard for electronic compo- nent recovery is currently being drafted, bringing together experts from across the electronics manu- facturing and supply chain ecosystem. The goal is to define clear, repeatable processes that ensure recovered components meet stringent quality, reli- ability, and traceability requirements. Importantly, the development of this standard is being guided by individuals with deep, practical experience in the field. I serve on the committee, and my involvement reflects a broader effort to ensure the standard is grounded in the realities of high-reliability recovery operations. The emerging framework is expected to cover key areas such as controlled de-soldering tech- niques, inspection and test methodologies, han- dling protocols, and documentation requirements. For manufacturers and procurement teams, this will provide a much-needed benchmark helping to differentiate credible recovery processes from less rigorous alternatives. In turn, standardization is likely to accelerate adoption. By reducing uncertainty and establishing a common language for quality, it enables orga- nizations to integrate recovered components into their supply chains with greater confidence. Looking Ahead The electronics supply chain is unlikely to become less complex in the near future. If anything, emerg- ing technologies and shifting global dynamics will introduce new layers of uncertainty. In this environ- ment, resilience will depend on the ability to think differently about resources. As the demand for component recovery grows, so does the importance of working with experi- enced partners who understand both the technical and commercial dimensions of the process. Not all recovery services are created equal. The differ- ence lies in process control, testing capability, and a deep understanding of component behavior. Organisations that specialise in this field, par- ticularly those with a long track record and strong industry accreditation, are helping to set the benchmark for what high-quality recovery looks like. Their work is quietly enabling manufacturers to navigate shortages, manage obsolescence, and reduce waste without compromising on perfor- mance. The smartest solution may not be to find new components but to make better use of the ones we already have. Rob Ronan is the UK sales and support manager at Retronix Ltd.