Berlin | June 05, 2025

Improper disposal of e-waste may lead to significant environmental problems. The release of chemicals and heavy metals may also endanger ecosystems and, consequently, human health. In response to ecological damage, the Europeans enacted strict laws and regulations to ensure correct recycling and disposal of e-waste. On the one hand these regulations are supposed to prevent illegal waste shipment and on the other hand to enhance the recycling rate thus to assure future raw material supply.

What does this precisely mean for European producers?

The speaker illustrates the options for producers with reference to waste management.

How does the transition to sustainable electronics succeed? Find out how responsible use of
raw materials not only protects the environment, but also generates long-term competitive
advantages. Save costs, reduce supply chain dependencies, protect ecosystems - using
groundbreaking best practice examples, we show how EMS companies can easily combine
positive effects for the environment and the economy by implementing the circular economy
and position themselves for the future.

After years of raising awareness among key industry and political stakeholders, it is safe to say that Europe’s challenges are well understood. Those still unaware have simply chosen to ignore reality. Now, it is time to shift focus. Instead of repeating the same warnings, we must concentrate on defining concrete proposals that policymakers can act upon to drive real change. 

Industry possesses the expertise, while politicians hold the power to implement solutions – our role is to bridge this gap by translating knowledge into actionable policies. This requires a true partnership between industry and policymakers, built on pragmatism and impact. 

During this presentation Dirk Stans, Managing Partner of Eurocircuits, will present his view on what needs to happen, and present clear proposals that will move awareness to action.

Public funds should support EU-made goods and services rather than benefiting foreign companies. Likewise, sustainability regulations need streamlining – an EU-wide raw materials database would cut inefficiencies and give engineers instant access to critical data. These are practical steps to strengthen Europe's industry and economy.

In electronics the circular economy embodies strategies to extend product lifecycles & promote reuse. Factronix is a company that has extensive experience in this field, so during the speech it will talk about what related services are important and why.

The lecture will therefore focus on issues such as Component Recovery, Laser Reballing, Retinning, Test Services, that is, services which involve giving a second life to electronic components that would otherwise be discarded, turning potential waste into valuable resources.