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2020
Conference Paper
Titel
Using Post-Consumer Recycled Plastics in new EEE. A promising Circular Business Model for the Electronics Sector
Abstract
This paper promotes the use of recycled plastics in new electrical devices against the background of economic, technical, political, and environmental drivers and obstacles. The paper will guide interested manufacturers and take a company perspective, where technical insights are provided on how minor changes in product design can facilitate the use of recycled plastics. The article will illustrate what is possible with modern recycling technologies in terms of quality and color and technical properties and identify the remaining barriers. Besides looking at the economic advantages of lower commodity prices and more flexibility in material choices for electronic manufacturers, the paper also looks at how the targeted recovery of the plastic fraction could bring considerable environmental benefits and thereby add value to the company profile. Practical examples from the H2020 Project PolyCE with strong industry participation will be presented to showcase how a paradigm shift in material use can be achieved away from virgin plastic use into a more sustainable product design.