Policy models
Showcasing circular economy solutions at Waste Management Event 2024: The role of DEREMCO Project
Author: Aimee Forcada
The Waste Management Event 2024 held in Bergamo, Italy, proved to be an important platform for showcasing innovative projects like DEREMCO into broader waste management and circular economy strategies. This event drew attention to how systemic changes in handling strategic materials such as composite materials can significantly advance sustainability in various high-value industries.
At this event, the DEREMCO project was featured as a prime example of how circular economy principles are being applied to the composite materials sector. Instead of a traditional approach to waste management, DEREMCO emphasis in the demand driven de-manufacturing and remanufacturing processes, focusing on the reuse of Fiber-reinforced plastics (FRPs) captured the attention of many visitors.
The representation of the project at the event focused on its strategic approach to recycling challenges, showcasing how innovative thinking about waste management can lead to practical solutions. DEREMCO’s goals to transform post-use composites into valuable secondary materials, was in perfect harmony with the event's theme of integrating circular economy processes into traditional industries to bolster sustainability.
Throughout the event, numerous discussions centred on DEREMCO’s approach to demand-driven de-manufacturing processes; how these processes could tailor the breakdown of materials according to specific market needs and product life cycles and how they have the potential to revolutionize waste management within the industry. Stakeholders were particularly captivated by the possibilities of integrating these processes into existing manufacturing systems, which could lead to substantial reductions in waste and therefore in costs.
Moreover, the DEREMCO project illustrated the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders across Europe. Great attention was also drawn to the partners of the DEREMCO consortium, which showcases the collaborative effort required to drive significant environmental change. The presence of our partner Holonix provided an added value to the exchanges with stakeholders and visitors that were able to gain interesting insights regarding Digitalization and formalization of data for circular business models.
The Waste Management Event 2024 served not only as a showcase for DEREMCO but also as a catalyst for dialogue among policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators about the future of waste management. The project’s integration into this event helped frame key discussions on how sectors dependent on composite materials can evolve towards more sustainable and economically viable practices. The opportunity to connect with other professionals who are equally committed to sustainable solutions paved the way to enlarge the
project's network, reinforcing the transformative potential of the proposed solutions.
Explorative review of the EU regulatory framework for a circular economy
Author: Mattia Bosoni, April 2024
This article gives an overview of legislative implications and their potential risks concerning 4 specific sectors, in their pursue to:
• Li-Ion batteries
• Mechatronics and electronics in the automotive sector
• Composites and techno-polymers
• Textiles
This investigation is a result of a more extensive work performed in the EU DigiPrime project, a digital platform that promotes the circular economy transition with the implementation of sustainable business models through cross-sectoral value chains for the 4 sectors above mentioned, chosen as pilots.
The regulatory framework of the EU includes regulations that apply in all these 4 sectors. While some of these regulations might be advantageous for these sectors, some of them may also represent a risk which could hamper its development and
functioning.
The objective is therefore to create an overview of the legislative implications and potential risks associated with the 4 sectors. Finally, a list of recommendations aimed at decreasing potential risks is provided.
METHODOLOGY
In order to create an overview of the legislative implications and potential risks for the 4 sectors, an extensive document review focusing on the EU regulations was performed. The analyses framework focused on EU regulations, strategic plans, frameworks, and acts that define rules to apply in order to support the circular economy transition for manufacturing, transportation, safety, consuming, reusing, recycling and remanufacturing (e.g. Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan). This desk activity was essential to identify the main regulations concerning all sectors, and also those that apply only to one or some of them.
Lastly, the regulations were assessed to identify which implications and risks they might generate. It is important to underline that this explorative study of the EU regulatory framework can be helpful for projects that are comparable to the DigiPrime
platform.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Multiple regulations have an impact on all 4 sectors, the most relevant are Digital Product Passport (DPP), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Ecodesign for Sustainable Product (ESPR), and Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS).
These regulations result mainly favorable for the 4 highlighted sectors and related products (e.g. batteries, electronic components of automotive, techno-polymers, or textile products) because, for instance, they help tracking manufacturing information and composition of a product, they are created while thinking about their end-of-life phase, they are designed in a way that facilitates disassembly, and they contain less and traced hazardous substances and components.
Beside improving environmental sustainability, these features facilitate recycling and remanufacturing processes allowing potential trade-offs between producers and services created to manage the end of life of products, thus supporting a circular economy. Some acts or regulations, like the the Net-Zero Industrial Act (NZIA) and identification of Critical Raw Materials (CRM) are mainly relevant for li-Ion batteries and automotive components, respectively focusing on the development of strategic technologies and on the provision of an updated list of critical raw materials, some of which offer strategic recycling and remanufacturing possibilities.
Whilst implications are generally positive for the possibilities they provide, as mentioned above, they also bring risks which are either uncertain or negative. An overview of such risks is shown in Table 1. Based on the identified risks, a set of recommendations is provided for the 4 sectors (see Table 2).
DigiPrime is an EU project funded by the Horizon 2020 program under the grant agreement n° 873111.
More information available on https://www.digiprime.eu/
"Empowering Citizens through the implementation of a Social Enterprise for 3D Printing in FRONTSH1P CSS4"
Author: Aimee Forcada
In recent years, Circular Economy CE has gained importance and momentum at EU level, it is considered an essential means to fight climate change in the Green Deal and European funding programmes.
One of the goals of FRONTSH1P is to highlight the importance of
Citizens Engagement within the entire system as an enabling factor for the regional transition towards the circular economy.
The involvement of citizens in real processes, undertaking specific practices, will ensure the reducing and/or refusing of not necessary consumption of goods, and the reusing and extension of the life of such consumed goods.
One of the objectives of CSS4, dealing with Plastics and waste stream valorisation, include the use of 3D printing to repair households’ appliances. In this context, FRONTSH1P CSS4 proposes the implementation of a Social Enterprise committed to having positive environmental and social impacts. By using recycled materials as feedstock for production, in this case plastic waste, the social enterprise would produce filaments for the 3D printing, diverting such waste from landfills and giving a new life as a valuable resource.
The Social enterprise would also address social issues by providing employment opportunities for citizens living in social housing and degraded blocks, alleviating social inequalities, and promoting inclusion.
While keeping in mind a circular approach when valorising plastic residues and highlighting the importance of citizens' role in minimising the negative impact of plastic pollution, FRONTSH1P interrelation between several other Work Packages is essential for a valid implementation of the objectives within CSS4. In this case, Data monitoring and management conducted in Work Package 2 are central factors, accounted from the early stages of the developing CE model.
Five macro focus areas have been identified as part of a Circular economy place-based monitoring framework (Public sphere, Private sector, Education, Society and Environment) and each of them will contain their own sets of micro-areas and indicators.
In conclusion, the results and data obtained in each of the four CSSs and more specifically in CSS4 through the implementation of the initiatives such as the Social enterprise, will contribute to implement and exploit an all-encompassing monitoring system that will be able to measure every aspect relevant for the transition toward a circular model.
DG Growth Calls EU Regions to Prepare the Ground for the Transposition of DPPs regulations
In November Veltha hosted an online workshop, Public-Private Bottom-Up Definition of Digital Product Passport, as part of the Policy Lab, addressing the current subject of Digital Product Passports. Speakers from different perspectives came together to share their experience, expectations and knowledge about Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and the systems and legislation that surround it.
What is a Digital Product Passport?
There is not yet a general answer to the question of what a digital product passport is, as it is an evolving concept. What is clear though, is that it is a system to promote sustainability and circularity by providing stakeholders and consumers with relevant product data.
Insights from the Speakers
Moderated by Luca Polidori, Secretary General at Veltha, we had the pleasure of hearing both business and policy perspectives, and gained an insight into innovative projects that are in relation to the development and usage of DPPs.
Nora Åsling (Veltha, Project Assistant) presented Task 6.5 of the H2020 DigiPrime project and its relation to DPPs
Rigo Wenning (ERCIM, Legal Counsel) presented the newly launched The Ecosystem Digital Product Passport (CIRPASS) project
Mario Malzacher (Circular.Fashion, Co-Founder) presented their work with digital information carriers, and insights from a business perspective
Michele Galatola (European Commission, Policy Officer, Green and Circular Economy) spoke of the benefits of a DPP system and what will be the required next steps
Bente Bauer (Policy Hub, Director of Public Affairs) gave insights on the thoughts and expectations on Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and DPPs from a business perspective
Thomas Götz (Wuppertal Institute, Co-Head of Research Unit Energy Policy: Energy, Transport and Climate Policy) presented the report: Digital Product Passport: the ticket to achieving a climate neutral and circular European economy?
Sascha Bloemhoff (Niaga, Marketing Director) presented insights, ideas and concerns on DPPs, alongside their Niaga®Tag
Andrea D’Intino (Dyne, Program Manager) presented the REFLOW project & the Interfacer project and its relation to DPPs
The speakers shared important insights into both the current use of digital information carriers as well as future obstacles that need to be overcome to ensure that the benefits of a DPP system are maximised. The topic of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation was as well a recurring subject during the workshop.
In addition, what can be done at a regional level today was discussed. Michele Galatola from the European Commission, stated that the most fundamental and topical step ahead of regions at present, is to “prepare the ground for the implementation”, and highlighted concrete examples, such as reinforcing the technical knowledge within respective regions, which will be needed in due course.
The Circular Economy And Its Benefits: Why The European Electronic Waste Directive is Necessary as a Strategic Resource for the Circular Economy
Where does Europe stand in E-waste and its regulations?
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the EU (and globally) and will have harmful consequences if not managed properly. In addition, it contains valuable and critical raw materials, the recycling of which is essential for a more circular economy and possible strategic autonomy open for the EU. Growing consumption and technological advancement and digitization is predicted to change, and with that, the challenges in waste management are expected to arise in the upcoming years. (1)
WEEE legislation was first enacted in 2002 to prevent or reduce the adverse effects of WEEE on the EU environment and human health. (2) In 2012 the European Commission has reviewed and recast the Directive[1] , [Directive 2012/19/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)].
In the following period 2022/2023, the Commission foresees an assessment on whether the WEEE Directive still fits for purpose. The directive sets increasingly stringent collection and recycling targets. Separate collection of electrical and electronic equipment from unsorted municipal waste is a prerequisite for proper disposal. (3)
How do we classify e-waste?
E-Waste can be classified according to the source and use of electrical equipment. There are ten different types of e-waste recognized globally (Figure 1) (4). The average percentage for each e-waste category can vary based on many factors, including socioeconomic conditions, consumer behaviour, population, and the dependence of businesses and households on electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) (5). Nevertheless, large household items are the main contributor to e-waste (42.1%), followed by IT and telecommunications (33.9%), consumer appliances (13.7%), and small household appliances (4.7%) (6) Contributions from other categories are lower (medical, lighting, power, and electronic tools < 2%, and automatic dispensers, toys, sports, monitoring, and control equipment < 1%) (6) to improve readability. In developing countries, e-waste is dominated by televisions, computers, and mobile phones (7).
What are the challenges of E-waste management and opportunities?
Electronic and electrical waste needs to be addressed not just in terms of its recycling process but also in terms of composition, since it contains metals with different physicochemical properties. If the substances containing these hazardous compounds are not properly disposed of, they may cause serious environmental threats. Proper waste management techniques have become a global priority to mitigate human health risks and environmental degradation. (7)
Although all the necessary laws to collect and recycle e-waste are in place, handling and disposing of e-waste remains a challenge due to its mix of hazardous, valuable, non-precious materials. Generally speaking, e-waste is composed of 40% metals, 30% plastic polymers, and 30% oxides of various materials(9). E-waste contains valuable materials (Ag, Au and Pd), basic materials (Cu, Al, Ni, Sn, Zn, Fe, Bi, Sb and In), hazardous materials (Hg, Be, Pb, Cd and As) , halogen materials (Br, F, Cl) as well as plastics, glass, and ceramics (10).
The particular challenge of e-waste management is recycling valuable rare earth and usable materials while discarding hazardous materials. Waste management hazards include handling hazardous chemicals such as CFC fluids, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, machine safety, manual handling of large objects, electrical safety, cutting and abrasion risks, and fire and explosion risks (9).
o address these challenges since 2003, EU legislation restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment through the RoHS Directive [Directive 2011/65/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 8 June 2011 on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment] At the same time, the WEEE Directive encourages the collection and recycling of such equipment. The RoHS Directive currently restricts the use of ten substances: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP). (7)
What else?
Other challenges in e-waste management include a limited environmentally-friendly number of chemical liquids approved for e-waste management, the lack of infrastructure, the existence of thermodynamic limitations to separate complex mixture of materials resulting in low recycling costs, financial and political support, especially for developing countries, and countries’ inconsistent legislation with significant differences. (7)
The example of gold and copper
The prospects and opportunities deriving from an efficient recycling process of e-waste are crucial. As mentioned earlier, e-waste contains precious metals that can be recovered through municipal e-waste mining. A typical example of this type of urban mining is that up to 1.5 kg of gold and 210 kg of copper can be extracted from one ton of circuit boards (11). Precious metal concentrations are far superior to ore primary mining. For example, conventionally mined gold from ore has a gold content of 5 g/t (10) and copper content of 5.25 kg/t (11). These figures suggest that the gold and copper concentrations in urban mines are 30 to 40 times higher than in ore. The recycling of these precious metals can generate substantial profits when the proper business model is used. (7)
Effects on human health
Another perspective on e-waste management is connected to the environmental and human health benefits (12). Today, human health and environmental issues are seen as priority issues (13). However, in developing countries, e-waste disposal has never been seen as a serious problem, resulting in poor and unsafe health and environmental conditions around landfills (14). Therefore, the adoption and implementation of e-waste management strategies, policies, and laws can greatly improve these conditions. (7)
What are the EU actions?
Despite what has just been discussed, the separate collection of WEEE remains a major challenge for most Member States. The Commission has launched a compliance initiative to assess best practices and deficiencies in implementing the directive, including the separate collection of WEEE. Member States have also assessed WEEE handling practices with a view to further harmonizing, building on practical experience in applying the handling standards initiated by the Commission.
A review by the European Court of Auditors found that EU member states collect and recycle more end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment than the rest of the world. The review addresses measures and challenges related to the implementation of existing e-waste management requirements; poor e-waste management; illegal shipments and other criminal activities; and increased e-waste collection, recycling, and reuse. (16)
According to an overview published on 20 May 2021, the EU currently recycles around 80% of the e-waste it collects. However, the collection, recycling, and reuse of e-waste are not equally effective in all EU member states