The project is demonstrating circular economy system in a sector of particular economic interest, such as the metal industry. Moreover it is expected to create new job opportunities.
Circular economy
Integrated and environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process
An integrated and environmentally friendly hydrometallurgical process will be implemented at pilot scale, for the first time, not to ores but to electronic wastes of particular interest. The pilot plant will be the first to operate in Greece and among the few that have been recently put into operation globally.
Zero Waste Process
The management of solid and liquid waste for maximum recovery of metals and zero disposal in the environment further enhances the environmentally friendly character of the project.
Industry and Academia Collaboration
The project will strengthen the interaction between academia and industry through the application of innovative research on industrial level, linking the results of basic research to a pilot application.
Innovation and profitability in the recycling industry
The recovery of valuable metals from Printed Circuit Board (PCBs) can potentially provide increased revenue comparing to the sale of raw PCBs by 50%. Apart from its economic benefits, the proposed process for metal recovery is expected to boost the hydrometallurgical activity in Greece and provide an example of innovation in the recycling industry.
Incentive for an innovative PCB recycling plant
The project will be an incentive for the establishment of an integrated PCB recycling plant aiming at recovering pure metals of great added value. The plant is foreseen to cover both domestic and regional needs for PCB recycling.
