Recycle Electronics - a pathway to circular production
Danish Technological Institute and MADE are partners in "Recycle Electronics" (Recirkuler Elektronik). This is a two-year project funded by the Danish Industry Foundation aimed at reducing resource consumption and waste generation - thereby strengthening corporate competitiveness. This is achieved by developing new, implementable solutions through tailored project programs.
Circular production and sustainable design
At the Danish Technological Institute, we have launched a new project to help Danish electronics companies navigate the growing demands for sustainability from both the EU and consumers. The electronics industry faces challenges such as reducing waste and resource consumption, and our goal is to offer tangible solutions through circular production and eco-design.
This project will help companies transform their production and business models by implementing methods such as reuse, repair, and recycling. Products will be designed to be easier to repair and reuse, reducing environmental impact while providing companies with a competitive edge.
From challenges to change
The Danish electronics industry employs more than 25,000 people and encompasses everything from the production of keyboards and wireless equipment to medical devices and hearing aids. However, the industry faces substantial challenges: globally, only 17% of electronic waste is recycled, and the consumption of scarce raw materials is on the rise.
Through our project, companies will gain access to new tools, methodologies, and practical guidance that can make a significant difference. The aim is for participating companies to reduce their material consumption by up to 20% and their CO2 emissions by up to 30%.
A company that currently uses primarily virgin materials can, through the project, learn to utilize recycled materials and adopt new design principles. This not only mitigates environmental impact but also positions them to meet future requirements from both regulators and customers.
Focus on digital learning and networking
To ensure knowledge sharing and skills development, we will establish a digital learning tool that includes webinars, online tutorials, and interactive quizzes. This material will be accessible to companies nationwide, serving as a practical resource for taking the initial steps toward circular production. Concurrently, we are establishing a company network with an expected participation of at least 15–20 businesses, providing a forum where experiences, ideas, and solutions can be shared across the industry.
Hands-on support and measuring success
Participating companies will receive free consultancy and support from the Danish Technological Institute, including workshops and implementation meetings. Our objective is to build long-term capacity within the industry, ensuring that companies achieve tangible results—such as reduced waste and improved production methods—by the conclusion of the project.
To measure success, baseline data gathered at the start of the project will be benchmarked against results at its completion. This includes quantitative metrics such as reductions in resource consumption and waste, alongside qualitative assessments from the companies regarding their transition and realized benefits.
About the project
Recycle Electronics aims to reduce resource consumption and carbon emissions in the electronics industry, benefiting the environment, company finances, and societal resilience alike. It will strengthen Danish companies' positions as frontrunners in sustainable manufacturing and establish a more robust, circular value chain for electronics.
The project employs a combination of analyses, the development of guidelines and tools, testing and validation of sustainable methodologies, as well as workshops and networking activities to mobilize companies and help them implement circular production principles.
Funding: The Danish Industry Foundation is supporting the project with DKK 2.9 million.
Duration: January 2025 – December 2026
Official title: Recirkuler Elektronik - en vej til cirkulær produktion (Recycle electronics – a pathway to circular production)
Part of a circular initiative: The project is one of a series of initiatives launched by the Danish Industry Foundation to strengthen circular manufacturing in Denmark under the theme "Circular Production – for a greener and stronger business sector".
