Project overview
Transnational Network of Circular Labs for EEE
The environmental impact of electronics manufacturing is not just limited to waste creation but also raises concerns about air pollution, water and soil contamination in production processes. To overcome this, the CIRCOTRONIC project brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy makers from nine manufacturing regions in a transnational network of regional circular labs. Together, they develop solutions for more circular value chains and design a policy framework for circular production.
2,38m €
Project Budget
80%
of the Budget is funded by ERDF
6
9
12
5
Duration
Start date
End date
Project progress
Project partnership
Project partners
Lead partner
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
Project partner
DG Knowledge, Labour and Enterprise Economy Research, Innovation, Energy and Sustainable Economy Unit
40127 Bologna
SME Advisory Services
Cluster and Networks
Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development
Roadmap
Context
We are co-operating with entities from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).
Specific problem
The manufacturing of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is rapidly increasing. The sector has severe negative environmental and climate impacts arising from materials use, emission of air pollutants & greenhouse gases, chemicals use and waste. Additionally increasing consumption and production of EEE makes its complex and challenging waste stream one of the fastest growing ones.
Idea
We are cooperating for two main reasons. Firstly to foster sustainable growth by transforming EEE manufacturing in Central Europe towards circular and resource - efficient processes, value chains, products and services. Secondly to design a policy framework and implement circular economy policy measures supporting circular EEE manufacturing and the e-waste as a resource.
Solution
We are going to create network of circular Labs, taking up solutions that were jointly developed and tested for improved circularity in EEE manufacturing SMEs covering the themes: 1. Materials 2. Design 3. Business Models.
Implementation
Our consortium will prepare transnational action plan with policy recommendation to Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2020) and support partners in EEE manufacturing and the E-waste management.
News
P2 Green
NEWS
12.04.2024
Driving Change through Foresight
Key findings from CIRCOTRONIC's regional foresight workshops underscore the challenges of navigating sustainability. Success hinges on collective participation in supporting sustainable practices and fostering a circular economy for electronics. However, significant hurdles persist despite progress made. Innovative tools and ideas are essential to drive meaningful change.
P2 Green
NEWS
03.04.2024
Reality check: Are consumers ready for circular EEE?
Three LinkedIn polls gauged consumer attitudes towards circular electronic devices, drawing 82 respondents between December 2023 and February 2024. Findings reveal varied end-of-life practices, a focus on product lifespan and repairability, and willingness to buy second-hand for sustainability. Insights highlight evolving consumer behavior towards electronic consumption and disposal.
P2 Green
NEWS
19.03.2024
Embracing change: the evolution of circular economy in tomorrow’s world
The future economy, envisioned by British university experts, emphasizes sustainability across all business departments, reducing carbon emissions, and fostering impactful eco-friendly initiatives. Collaboration, data analysis, and clear communication are key for building a circular economy that benefits all and ensures a thriving planet.
P2 Green
NEWS
28.02.2024
Innovative Approach to Reducing E-Waste in Batteries and Frequency Converters
The dynamic development of the market for electric and hybrid ships is associated with an increased demand for batteries and frequency converters and consequently, a greater risk of failure of semiconductor elements and energy storage units used on vessels.
P2 Green
NEWS
21.02.2024
Elektryka Morska’s Expansion in the Martime Industry
Participation in this project is a great opportunity for our company. Thanks to the knowledge gained during meetings in the CIRCOTRONIC project, we decided to expand our business model with solutions that reduce the generation of e-waste by ships.
P2 Green
NEWS
24.01.2024
Circular Economy, E-waste
Emilia-Romagna and Veneto regions unites to propel Circular Economy principles for sustainable waste management. Both regions acknowledged challenges faced by enterprises in waste management and emphasised preventive measures in product design and efficient waste disposal to encourage re-use and discourage illegal activities.
P2 Green
NEWS
23.01.2024
Breathing Secondary Life into Waste, case study by ELVEZ
Focusing on wire harness production for the automotive industry, ELVEZ analyzes material flow, identifying opportunities for waste reuse and circularity. Despite challenges, such as uneven wire lengths and damaged connectors, ELVEZ is committed to transforming waste into valuable resources.
P2 Green
NEWS
05.12.2023
Beyond the Now: Foresight Initiatives for Small Businesses
Our workshop aimed to help SMEs envision their future but faced challenges in reaching them. Despite hurdles, our event at KEBA's Innospace revealed the struggles SMEs and larger companies have in embracing future strategies. Recognising the need for collaboration, we call for sharing knowledge and support from larger enterprises ...
P2 Green
NEWS
17.10.2023
A new treatment for burning pain
The UN predicts that in 2023, each person will produce an average of 8 kg of e-waste globally, resulting in a staggering 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste discarded in a single year. To put this into perspective, that's more weight than the Great Wall of China.
Events
P2 Green
EVENT
Poland
17.01.2024
UNPLUGGED
The exhibition addresses the question of how to find more capacity within us, to solve problems related to the future. It stimulates imagination about our relationship with electronic devices and provides an answer on how to balance energy after interacting with them
CIRCOTRONIC
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