Top 5 trends in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) for 2025
What lies ahead for the EMS industry in 2025? Dynamic changes in technology, rising consumer expectations and global challenges are forcing electronics manufacturers to look for new solutions. From biodegradable materials to artificial intelligence to miniaturisation, the future of electronics is full of opportunities, but requires flexibility and the right vision. Let’s take a look at five trends that are likely to guide the EMS industry in the coming months.
Modularity and ease of repair
On 30 July 2024, the Directive on the consumer's right to have goods repaired came into force across the European Union. By 31 July 2026, all member states are required to incorporate its provisions into their national law. What does this directive mean in practice for consumers and manufacturers? It means that manufacturers are obliged to make spare parts available for broken equipment to make repairs much easier. Until now, this has often been impossible due to the lack of spare parts and the fact that equipment was designed to be unrepairable. For example, devices were sealed or had permanently embedded batteries.
Faced with increasing pressure for sustainability and in response to European regulations, more and more manufacturers are therefore designing modular units that can be easily repaired and retrofitted. Consumers expect devices that allows the replacement of individual components, such as the battery, screen or memory. This approach not only extends the life of devices, but also reduces the amount of electronic waste generated. Modularity and ease of repair are therefore becoming fundamental elements in designing products that are environmentally friendly and more cost-effective for users.
Electrical and biodegradable materials
Sustainability is a priority in electronics manufacturing. In 2025, more and more devices will be made from biodegradable materials such as bioplastics or eco-composites. At the same time, technologies are being developed to enable the efficient recycling of raw materials, reducing reliance on traditional metals such as lithium and cobalt. Organic electronics, based on biodegradable carbon-based materials, paves the way for more sustainable practices in the industry thanks to its flexibility, low energy intensity and environmental friendliness.
Manufacturers will also increasingly adopt the principles of a circular economy. The ‘take, make, throw away’ model is giving way to recycling, remanufacturing and reuse of components. Reducing waste and extending the life cycle of products is not only an environmental benefit, but also an opportunity to optimise costs and increase economic efficiency.
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into consumer devices
Artificial intelligence is no longer the domain of software alone - manufacturers are increasingly integrating AI algorithms directly into hardware. Devices equipped with AI chips offer smarter features such as automatic adjustment of settings and real-time voice or image recognition. Examples include smartphones with AI processors that optimise performance or save energy.
It is worth noting that the integration of AI in hardware poses challenges for manufacturers in terms of ensuring adequate computing power, data management and user privacy. However, with advances in semiconductor technology and machine learning algorithms, it is possible to create increasingly sophisticated and efficient consumer devices.
Miniaturisation and flexibility of technology
Advances in nanotechnology are making it possible to produce ever smaller and more flexible electronic components. Flexible OLED screens, thin as a sheet of paper, and flexible batteries are expected to find applications in devices such as smartphones, wearables and laptops. Miniaturisation is also enabling the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), which helps create ultra-compact monitoring and control devices.
The trend towards smaller, faster and more efficient electronics is driving innovation in all fields. The demand for compact electronics in sectors such as healthcare, aerospace and automotive industry is driving manufacturers to develop new manufacturing techniques for miniaturised components without compromising functionality.
Flexible electronics and wearables are also becoming increasingly popular. At the same time, manufacturers must be mindful of the expectations of customers who are looking for greater personalisation. Many EMS suppliers are investing in advanced technologies that offer opportunities for greater flexibility and production customisation.
Smarter and more integrated production
As we enter the next phase of the digital revolution, developments in IoT in manufacturing are transforming traditional production lines into intelligent and responsive systems. They automate processes, optimise the use of resources and increase the overall efficiency of the entire production process.
In 2025, digital factories will become a pillar of innovation - currently, 67% of industrial manufacturers are already in the process of transforming towards smart manufacturing. However, to realise the full potential of smart manufacturing, the gap between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems will need to be bridged. Their integration is essential to be able to exploit the full potential of these technologies, although the issue of increased risk of cyber threats must also be kept in mind. As the number of integrated devices grows, ensuring their protection against security breaches becomes a priority.
These trends in electronics manufacturing are just a few examples of how the modern world will seek to respond to increasingly complex consumer demands, technological advances and environmental issues in 2025. The changes that are taking place and that we are witnessing are creating new opportunities for both the EMS industry and its users, opening the way to more advanced, efficient and responsible production.