Jabil acquires electronics recycling firm Retonix

The deal gives Jabil electronics recycling capabilities, as well as an array of component preparation services such as retinning, recovery and authenticity verification.

Retronix unique technique reduces thermal stress, safeguards the component's integrity and aids in extending its lifespan. (Image: Retronix Ltd.)

Retronix unique technique reduces thermal stress, safeguards the component’s integrity and aids in extending its lifespan. (Image: Retronix Ltd.)

Design, manufacturing, and supply chain solutions company Jabil Inc. has announced its successful acquisition of Retronix, an electronic components reclamation and refurbishment company based in Coatbridge, Scotland.

“This acquisition demonstrates our commitment to our customers’ and our own environmental initiative,” said Frank McKay, chief procurement and supply chain officer at Jabil, in a release.

 “As a trusted partner to many global brands, Jabil feels a strong sense of responsibility to not just support sustainability for ourselves, but to shepherd our customers towards decarbonization solutions like this — the reuse and recycling of electronic components,” he said.

Retronix handles component recovery, reballing, retinning, and component authenticity testing services. The deal adds exclusive technologies to Jabil’s portfolio while maintaining security, quality, and certification standards.

Retronix offers a unique laser reballing service, an advanced process that eliminates the necessity for a reflow, thus reducing potential harm to the ball grid array (BGA) components and adjacent regions. By reducing thermal stress, it safeguards the component’s integrity and extends its lifespan.

These services enable the safe extraction of embedded valuable components from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other electronics to minimize waste, create new value channels, and mitigate future component obsolescence.

The deal adds to Jabil’s current circular economy services including reverse supply chain management, medical device reprocessing, recycled packaging, and emission reductions. It strengthens Jabil’s mission to offer sustainable options to its customers who are increasing the use of electronics in “smart” products like electronic vehicles, home appliances, medical devices, and even packaged goods.

“Like Jabil, Retronix works with leading brands across industries such as telecommunications, defense, automotive, and healthcare. Now, these services will be available to Jabil customers, and together, we will strengthen the circular economy,” said Jed Pecchioli, vice-president of supply chain at Jabil.

“Being a part of Jabil will make an impact on sustainable manufacturing. From product design to end-of-life, our common goal is to squeeze every bit of life out of every material and reduce electronic waste,” he said.

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed.