The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

The rapid expansion of wearable technologies based on soft organic electronics has heightened concerns regarding environmental sustainability, as conventional device architectures and fabrication routes inherently generate end-of-life waste. Addressing these challenges requires a design-for-recyclability approach in which device materials, fabrication processes, and form factors are jointly engineered to enable closed materials loops. Here, we present a recyclable soft organic electronics platform that integrates loss-free fabrication, environmentally benign processing using non-toxic solvents, and wearable-compatible device architectures. Key functional components, including conductors, semiconductors, and gate dielectrics, are designed to enable efficient recovery and reuse without compromising mechanical softness or electrical functionality. The recycled materials retain reliable device performance, enabling repeated cycling of materials across fabrication, use, and recovery.