# Exploring the Shift Towards a Sustainable PCB Industry with PCB Entrepreneur Steve Driver

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2024-01-25
- Length: 11m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste

## Summary

Steve Driver, founder of Jiva Materials and advisor to Studio 29, discusses the PCB industry's shift toward sustainability and additive manufacturing at Productronica 2023. He highlights Jiva's soluble PCB laminate and Studio 29's transition to PCB assembly, emphasizing how cleaner technologies help attract younger talent. Driver also addresses the critical decline of European PCB manufacturing, noting recent shop closures and the need for government support to protect the remaining supply chain.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste#t=8) Introduction: Steve Driver, Jiva Materials, and Studio 29
- [1:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste#t=93) Industry Evolution and the Sustainability Theme
- [3:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste#t=189) Additive Technology vs. Subtractive Processes
- [5:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste#t=305) Attracting Young Talent and Workplace Ethics
- [8:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-01-25-exploring-the-shift-towards-a-sustainable-pcb-industry-with-pcb-entrepreneur-ste#t=493) European PCB Market Decline and Consolidation

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Sustainability & circular products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sustainability-and-circularity)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies, companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Jiva Materials (company)
- Studio 29 (company)
- Productronica 2023 (other)
- Adion Technology (company)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)
- Amphenol (company)
- Trackwise (company)
- CCI (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [PCB West 2025: Electronics Industry Insights with Mike Buetow](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-10-31-pcb-west-2025-electronics-industry-insights-with-mike-buetow) (OnTrack)
- [Chemical-Free PCB Production: How uFab is Changing Everything](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-08-12-chemical-free-pcb-production-how-ufab-is-changing-everything) (OnTrack)
- [Inside PCBAA's Fight for American Circuit Board Manufacturing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-07-30-inside-pcbaas-fight-for-american-circuit-board-manufacturing) (OnTrack)
- [Bob Widlar, Electronic Design, FIRST Robotics - Monday, Meta Monday](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-03-08-bob-widlar-electronic-design-first-robotics-monday-meta-monday) (The Amp Hour)
- [What's Driving the Next Wave of Electronics Engineers?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2025-01-31-whats-driving-the-next-wave-of-electronics-engineers) (OnTrack)

## Citing this page

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