Sustainable consumer electronics
Closing the plastic loop
CIRCULAR USE OF PLASTICS IN CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Plastics used within consumer electronics are often overlooked when it comes to circularity. Most electronic recycling concentrates on the recovery of rare metals such as copper, palladium and gold. However, there is a considerable amount of plastic involved in the construction of consumer electronics. Think hard plastic casings, rubber seals, coatings on components and, of course, packaging.
OUR OFFER:
Identification of circular business model opportunities
Establishing closed material loops
Consultation for circular product design
Support in material sourcing and value chain organisation
Support with reusable transport packaging for large appliances according to the PPW 2022
The circularity of plastics in consumer electronics is often overlooked. Most electronic recycling concentrates on rare metals such as copper, palladium and gold. However, plastic comprises 20% of the materials in consumer electronics. Think hard plastic casings, rubber seals, coatings on components and, of course, packaging . We help our clients close that plastic loop.
Discover the challenges and opportunities of moving your business towards a circular economy for consumer electronics
Circularity begins with future-proof design. Download our 10 Golden Design Rules for plastics in consumer electronics
Searious Business provided Circularity Training course to >50 employees within Gardena to inspire and engage around the topic of circularity.
Evonik and Searious Business teamed up to explore the potential of recovering and recycling polymer coatings from household consumer electronics.
In light of new sustainable reporting, we helped Whirlpool assess methodologies for calculating recyclability, looking at relevant parameters and complexity.
Searious Business is coordinating a project to recycle old CDs and their cases into high-end furniture, which can then be brought to market. The No CD to Waste project is a collaboration between second-hand store Emmaus De Bilt, vanPlestik, The Good Plastic Company and Dutch design company Cantor. The common goal is to turn this plastic waste, currently thrown away and incinerated, into a valuable new product.
“The exciting thing is that everyone can get involved. Everyone has old CDs they are no longer using but can’t bear to throw away. Well, now we can turn something so outdated into something fit for the future. The possibilities are endless”. – Willemijn Peeters
Monthly recap
Stay up to date with our projects and other developments in the circular economy