CIRCUIT: Circular economy for printed circuit boards and electronic components
Electronic waste poses a growing environmental challenge in Europe. The CIRCUIT project, supported by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s MUDP programme, is researching and developing methods for the reuse and recycling of printed circuit boards and electronic components. The project brings together a number of Danish companies and knowledge partners to find practical solutions to a complex problem.
The CIRCUIT project main focus areas
1. Reuse of electronic components
Many printed circuit boards are coated with epoxy, which makes it difficult to remove components without damaging them. CIRCUIT is therefore investigating methods for gentler disassembly, so that more functional components can be reused. This can help to develop new applications for reused electronic parts.
2. Circular design principles
The project is exploring how the design of printed circuit boards can be adapted to make production and subsequent reuse more resource-efficient.
3. Recovery of raw materials
The project is investigating the potential of Nordic Salt Cycles’ salt-melting technology, which enables the extraction of materials such as tantalum and rare earth elements at lower temperatures than conventional methods, thereby reducing energy consumption in the recovery process.
Resource supply and the European context
Global demand for critical minerals is rising, and the CIRCUIT project aligns with the principles of the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act. The project aims to contribute to a more stable supply of components – benefiting Danish manufacturers facing pressure from international supply chains.
The partners behind CIRCUIT
CIRCUIT is a collaboration between El Recycling, the Danish Technological Institute, HJHansen Recycling Group, NCAB Group, DEIF, LINAK and Nordic Salt Cycle. The partnership brings together expertise in research, design, production and recycling with the aim of supporting a more circular electronics industry.
Project facts
Title
CIRCUIT – Circular economy for printed circuit boards and components
Project type
Research and development project supported by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency’s MUDP programme under the Ministry of the Environment
Project budget
DKK 9.2 million
Project period
February 2026 – 31 January 2028
Press release
Danish development project aims to recover end-of-life circuit boards
Project logo
Supported Sustainable Development Goals
