Plastics in the Electrical Industry: High-tech Materials for Smart Devices
23.07.2025
Did you know that the average smartphone contains around twenty grams of plastic? Plastics are not only found in the housings, but also in tiny components such as insulators on circuit boards or flexible connecting elements. They make modern devices lighter, safer, and more powerful and are therefore a key driver of innovation in electronics.
In the first part of our series, we show the roles that plastics play in electronics and the advantages they offer. In the second part, we focus on K 2025 and how exhibitors there are driving current trends and innovations.
Importance of the Electronics Sector for the Plastics Industry
The electronics industry is one of the most important user industries for plastics worldwide. Plastics are not only found in the outer casings of smartphones, laptops and household appliances, but also in numerous internal components such as insulators, PCB carriers, connectors and switches. Engineering plastics such as polycarbonate (PC), polyamide (PA), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and epoxy resins are particularly in demand as they offer excellent electrical insulation, temperature resistance and mechanical strength.
Despite miniaturisation and material savings, the demand for plastics in electronics continues to rise. The increasing complexity of modern devices, the integration of new functions and the expansion of electronics in areas such as e-mobility and medical technology are driving growth. There are regional differences: In industrialised countries, the focus on sustainable, recyclable plastics is growing, while in emerging markets overall consumption is increasing due to rising production.
Due to high demands on material quality and innovative strength, the electronics sector is significantly shaping the plastics industry and remains a dynamic growth market with a wide range of possible applications.
Why Plastics Are Indispensable in Electronics
Without plastics, there would be no slimline housings, flexible circuit boards in wearables or heat-resistant protective housings for electric motors. Their mouldability allows for innovative designs and their cost-effective production makes modern technology accessible to everyone. They are also characterised by high chemical resistance - for example to moisture or solvents - which increases the longevity of electronic products.
Cost efficiency in production makes plastic components particularly attractive for mass products. At the same time, sustainability and recycling are becoming increasingly important: the use of recyclates is gaining in significance, and innovative lightweight construction concepts can reduce material consumption and energy requirements during use.
Regulatory requirements and safety standards such as RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) define clear limits for the materials used. Compliance with these standards is mandatory for manufacturers and has a significant influence on the selection of plastics.
Digitalization and smart products are also key growth drivers. IoT applications and intelligent systems require plastic components that are not only functional, but also robust and future-proof.
From shock-absorbing housings to filigree connectors and heat-resistant engine components - polymer materials now permeate every level of modern technology. Their versatility enables new designs, their robustness extends life cycles and the growing use of recyclates paves the way for responsible production. In this way, plastic solutions are driving progress and sustainability in equal measure.
- Polycarbonate (PC): High impact resistance, transparency, good electrical insulation. Ideal for housings (e.g., smartphones and tablets) and display covers. Also found in solar modules.
- Polyamide (PA): High mechanical strength, resistant to heat and chemicals. Used in connectors, insulators, and gears.
- Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT): Good electrical insulation and heat resistance. Suitable for housings and electronic components, such as connectors. Also used in automotive applications.
- Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS): High resistance to temperature and chemicals, good electrical properties. Used in motors and demanding electronic components.
- Thermosets (rigid and dimensionally stable)
- Epoxy resins: Excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance. Used in components for electric motors, insulators, and capacitors.
- Phenolic resins: Used for heat-resistant components and as adhesives in electronics production.
PU foams (polyurethane) play an important role as shock-absorbing and insulating materials in electronics. They protect sensitive components during transport and use and provide optimal insulation in electronic devices.
Application Areas and Typical Products
But plastics are not only found in consumer electronics. In the automotive and mobility sector, they are indispensable for e-mobility, control units, and sensors (see our article on plastics in the automotive industry). In medical technology, plastics are used in devices, diagnostics systems, and everyday tools. Industrial electronics rely on them for control systems, robotics, and automation solutions (see K-Mag’s content on Automation).
In Part 2 of our series, we turn our focus to K 2025 and highlight the exhibitors who are already shaping the next steps in electronics development.
Author: Simone Ernst | K-Mag
Simone Ernst has been writing for various industry magazines for eighteen years and has been part of the K-Mag editorial team since 2024. She is particularly interested in topics such as plastics recycling, sustainability in the plastics industry and career paths in the plastics and rubber industry.
At a glance
Whether housings, connectors or printed circuit boards - plastics are an integral part of electronics. They combine functionality with design freedom and enable sustainable solutions such as recyclates and lightweight construction. Part 1 of our series provides an overview of materials, applications and current developments.