Thornmann Recycling
Torun, ul. Poznanska 264-270, Kuyavia-Pomerania, Poland

The development of modern technologies enforces responsible handling of many materials that were not previously used on a mass scale. Photovoltaic panels, wind farms and electric cars are becoming our everyday life. Like all products, they will deteriorate or wear out over time. Therefore, new challenges appear before society, i.e. the disposal of photovoltaic panels , electric car batteries or windmill blades. To meet these expectations, Thornmann Recycling Sp. z o. o. was the first company in the country to start recycling glass and carbon fibers, offering composite recyclates for many re-applications.

Photovoltaic panels are products that have a limited service life. Admittedly, with the development of technology, their efficiency may reach even 90% in the period of 25-30 years, but you should take into account the necessity to dispose of them. These are elements composed of many materials, such as plastics, metals or silicon, and treated as electro-waste. As a result, the disposal of solar panels is complicated but necessary.

The reduction of exhaust emissions from transport is now taken very seriously. Electric cars are gaining popularity. However, the disposal of electric car batteries presents us with new challenges. The most popular type of battery are Li-Ion (lithium-ion) cells. They consist not only of the chemical elements necessary to convert chemical energy into electricity, but also of the housing. Complicated construction causes greater challenges related to their disposal. In the first stage, plastic, aluminum and copper are removed from the battery, then the elements are recovered.