Component Redistribution: Can It End Overproduction in Electronics?

This guest interview was written by James Morra and originally published by Electronic Design.com in March 2025.

Earlier this year, Component Sense CEO Kenny McGee was interviewed by James Morra, the Senior Editor for Electronic Design. In the interview, Kenny discusses the role of companies like Component Sense in minimising overproduction and the generation of electronic waste.

Other talking points from the interview include Component Sense’s mission, defining circularity in the context of electronic manufacturing, and common challenges that prevent companies from prioritising sustainability.

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

What do you think are the biggest obstacles to making the electronics industry more sustainable?

"Often, companies choose not to operate sustainably because it is not seen as financially viable. Without enough return on investment, it is difficult for them to dedicate funds to research and development (R&D). In the specific case of preventing e-waste, there are challenges regarding recycling and recovering metals. Currently, only a small group of precious metals in e-waste can easily be recovered or are even worth the effort, leaving the remainder to be disposed of. Others are challenging to extract from electronic devices, unlike copper and gold, which are heavy and generally sink through the recycling process. Not to mention, common recycling processes for electronics, such as smelting, generally require a lot of electricity. Ultimately, I don’t think most standard recycling methods for electronics are financially viable or scalable."

James Morra is a senior editor for Electronic Design, covering the semiconductor industry and new technology trends, with a focus on power electronics and power management. He also reports on the business behind electrical engineering, including the electronics supply chain.

Electronic Design is a premier independent information souce for electronics engineers. From the latest emerging technologies to large-scale trends, Electronic Design is devoted to delivering its readers the latest information from the industry.

Read the full interview published by Electronic Design.com.

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