In non- or poorly regulated E-waste markets, relying on market forces only will result in improper processing of both valuable and harmful fractions from WEEE. A strong cooperation between stakeholders along the recycling chain can, in that case, provide transparency and a guarantee for proper E-waste recycling & refining. PREVENT Waste Alliance can provide a framework to set up such partnerships in an international context, involving both industrial activities and authorities.
The energy and mobility transition as well as climate protection are central challenges that we can only master with new technologies and innovative business models. Electromobility, renewable energies and digitization require large quantities of metals to be used in a highly resource-efficient manner. This will not be possible without a functioning circular economy. However, this requires fundamental changes in the development, production, use and recycling of resource-relevant products, which can only be achieved through innovative, collaborative value chains along the global product life cycle and must be supported by coherent legal frameworks. As a leading materials technology and recycling company, Umicore wants to contribute to initiating this important change.