GREENELEC · Green Electronics – Sustainable Product Manufacturing

The main goal of GreenElec is to achieve more efficient use of resources by designing and manufacturing electronics that enable more effective recycling. A large fraction of critical materials is used in electronics. Recovery is at present limited: most of the materials are downgraded or completely lost. Effective recovery of materials implies that end-of-life separation and treatment must already be taken into account at the design stage of electronics. To deal with the associated challenges close cooperation of and alignment between players at different stages of the life cycle and over the entire value chain is a necessity.Key technology drivers are materials choices, PCBA design, identification tools, and sorting into well-defined waste streams. Identification of electronics will increase collection and sorting efficiency, thus increasing material recovery and end-of-life value of electronics. The impact is strengthened by exploring new business models that better share the incentives over the value chain are explored and by contributions to standards and regulations. Carriers are LED lamps, consumer televisions and professional display systems. Innovations in the design and electronic component selection are closely linked to identification and separation technology.The project will result in an efficient and sustainable use of electronic materials by delivering:- suitable combinations of materials for recycling- design rules for electronics taking into account recycling processes- identification of devices and components- equipment for separation of devices and components into well-defined waste streams- optimum waste stream separation for maximal recovery- business models and regulatory policy support that give an incentive to the recycling/reuse of electronics.The results will have a direct impact on the availability of scarce and critical raw materials to Europe and enforce Europe’s leading position on materials recycling.