Securing the resources needed for Europe’s green and digital transitions requires more than diversifying supply chains-it demands innovative strategies to close material loops and promote circularity. One key aspect of this is optimizing the recovery, reuse, and recycling of materials critical for technologies in sectors such as renewable energy and digital, as outlined in the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act. In this episode of LOOPS, we highlight the potential of circular solutions for Critical Raw Materials to achieve these objectives. From advancing sustainable e-waste processing to leveraging digital tools, we explore how the novel approaches of two EU-funded projects in the field that are paving the way toward a more resource-efficient and resilient future for the EU.
CE-RISE focuses on optimizing the reuse, recovery, and recycling of Critical Raw Materials by designing an integrated framework that assesses product reusability and material composition. Through the use of digital product passports, the project connects data on environmental footprints with the socio-economic impacts of circular processes, advancing the sustainable and efficient use of secondary raw materials across value chains.
CLOSER aims to establish a European closed loop for semiconductors, organising the ecosystem for Critical Raw Materials from e-waste, back into sustainable chips and microelectronics. The project emphasizes advanced techniques for collection, extraction, and recycling while integrating digital solutions to enhance circular value chains. The project also supports strategic autonomy in semiconductor production and promotes circularity in photovoltaics for cleaner energy systems.
CE-RISE
ce-rise.eu/
www.linkedin.com/company/ce-rise-project/
CLOSER
www.linkedin.com/company/closer-eu/