This initiative is supported by Sweden's innovation agency, Vinnova, as part of a Net Zero Industry Programme.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Boliden, a Swedish multinational company specializing in metals, mining, and smelting, is collaborating with IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Ericsson to enhance the visibility of circular electronic waste management in the telecom industry.
Their joint efforts aim to accelerate the transformation of Swedish industry toward achieving net zero emissions.
This initiative is supported by Sweden's innovation agency, Vinnova, as part of a Net Zero Industry Programme.
The initiative centers on mapping the value chain of outdated telecom equipment and practical trials have been done in tracking copper and precious metals through the recovery and recycling processes at Boliden’s state-of-the-art e-waste facility in Rönnskär, Sweden. By using digital interfaces and methods, the partners map the value chain to define detailed information on component content, timing, and location – from waste generation to recovery and recycling.
Precise data on how and where equipment is used, reused, or recycled, along with emissions from logistics and operational processes for each stakeholder, can ultimately enhance operational efficiency and better monetization of waste materials, returning value to stakeholders, mitigating environmental impact, and create potential for closed loops within the telecom equipment industry.
Raymond Langevoort, Director Raw Materials at Boliden, says:
“Our vision is to become the world's most climate-friendly and respected metal provider. To achieve this, we must lead in innovation and digitalization. The collaboration with Ericsson is essential for enabling enhanced circularity and for supporting our vision.”
By leveraging Ericsson Connected Recycling, a SaaS platform, the initiative aims to enhance traceability and trading capabilities for end-of-life products and waste materials, promoting a circular economy.
Sophia Fahlen, Head of Ericsson Connected Recycling, says:
“Together with Boliden, we clearly demonstrate that digitalization and connectivity can drive material circularity. As recycling becomes more complex, trusted data and traceability are crucial. Our goal is to shift the industry's perspective on waste, viewing it as valuable raw material integral to circular value chains.”
Alongside initiatives like Ericsson Connected Recycling, Ericsson is committed to implementing a circular economy approach by actively addressing e-waste through increased product take-back volumes and the sale of refurbished equipment. Ericsson's engineers design products that are upgradable, durable, easy to repair, and recyclable, achieving over 90% recyclability in recent years. The company also advocates for including recycled material content in the IEC standards, improving tracking of recycled inputs in electronic equipment and reducing material usage to minimize waste.
Looking ahead, Boliden, IVL, and Ericsson are seeking to expand the consortium with additional stakeholders and conduct more detailed investigations and life cycle analyses.
Courtesy: www.telecomtv.com
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