The Critical Raw Materials Act of 2023, promoted by the European Union, sets an ambitious challenge: to increase the recovery rates of critical elements for European industry and economy, such as neodymium and praseodymium found in permanent magnets, gallium, tantalum and other precious metals contained in printed circuit boards. These materials, essential for modern technologies, are found in significant quantities in small WEEE and represent a strategic opportunity to strengthen Europe's autonomy and sustainability.
In this context, Renew addresses the recovery of critical raw materials: dedicated to the recovery of valuable materials and epoxy resins from printed circuit boards, with a focus on increasing collection and improving WEEE management infrastructure.
One mission: closing the circle
RENEW's strength lies in its work to improve WEEE collection, which today is often insufficient, especially for small devices.
As Emiliano Tolusso from Erion's Strategic Development and Innovation team explains:
‘We know that collection is the critical point for many supply chains, in particular that of small consumer electronics. Through projects like RENEW, we have developed new proximity solutions to incentivise citizens to properly return their end-of-life devices. This is a key step to ensure the volumes needed to make recycling efficient and sustainable.’
In the setting of Ecomondo, at Erion's stand,has been organised the project's closing event. On stage some of the partners who have shared with us a path of experimentation, innovation and development, such as Amsa.