(13th May 2025, Muellheim, Germany) As manufacturers worldwide face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impact, photo-chemical etching (PCE) is emerging as a critical enabler of greener, more sustainable production processes. With new regulatory frameworks and corporate ESG goals reshaping the industrial landscape in 2025, micrometal Group is leading the way by showing how PCE technology can significantly advance material efficiency, reduce waste, and cut energy consumption.
“Manufacturers are under intense scrutiny to decarbonise and optimise resource use,” says Jochen Kern, Head of Sales and Marketing at micrometal Group. “Photo-chemical etching offers a smart, future-proof manufacturing route that aligns perfectly with these new priorities.”
Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods that often rely on material removal through energy-intensive processes like stamping, laser cutting, or machining, PCE is inherently more efficient. It uses precise chemical processes to create intricate metal components, minimising material waste and eliminating the need for costly rework or excess raw material consumption.
“Our PCE process typically generates up to 90% less scrap compared to conventional methods,” explains Kern. “That translates directly into less material use, lower production costs, and a significant reduction in environmental footprint.”
Energy efficiency is another advantage. PCE requires relatively low temperatures compared to laser or thermal-based processes, which means lower energy demand across production cycles. Additionally, micrometal Group’s proprietary PCE technologies further optimise chemical use and recycling, closing the loop on process sustainability.
“In today’s market, it’s not enough to innovate for performance — you must also innovate for the planet,” says Kern. “By embracing photo-chemical etching, companies can simultaneously achieve technical excellence and environmental responsibility.”
Applications benefiting from greener PCE manufacturing range from lightweight automotive parts to micro-electronic components and medical devices, all sectors under increasing regulatory and consumer pressure to deliver sustainable products.
Kern concludes, “We believe that sustainability and high-precision manufacturing go hand in hand. At micrometal Group, we are committed to helping our customers meet their green objectives without compromising the quality or complexity of their components.”
With its proven ability to drive material efficiency, energy savings, and reduced waste, photo-chemical etching is poised to become a cornerstone of the green transition in manufacturing — and micrometal Group is proud to be leading the charge.
