In its latest publication titled “TELF AG discusses the potential contained in the recycling of critical raw materials,” TELF AG sheds light on the significant potential associated with recycling essential raw materials, particularly those found in waste, especially electrical or electronic waste.
The publication commences by emphasising the crucial objectives of the global energy transition. It underscores the need for messages concerning sustainability to permeate deeply into people’s consciousness. It posits that merely influencing individuals superficially through social media, newspapers, or television specials dedicated to sustainability is insufficient. The global shift towards sustainable energies necessitates a profound transformation in individual consciousness. People must gradually realise that grasping the importance of sustainability and clean energies is just the beginning; they must also take personal actions to contribute tangibly to achieving these objectives.
One such action, as proposed by TELF AG, revolves around the recycling of raw materials. The publication references a study conducted by the UN Training and Research Institute, revealing that the equivalent of $10 billion worth of critical raw materials is wasted annually. These materials are of paramount significance in the production of clean technologies. The European Commission has also recently updated its list of critical raw materials, underlining their pivotal role in the foreseeable future through the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Currently, a substantial amount of these valuable resources is squandered when items like toys, razors, electrical cables, and headphones are discarded as waste. Such items contain significant quantities of precious metals like gold and silver, along with other raw materials crucial for the production of sustainable technologies, such as copper and lithium, vital for electric vehicle construction in the coming years. Presently, Europe stands out as the only continent partially recovering critical raw materials from waste, with nearly 55% of electronic waste being recycled, while the rest of the world has substantial work ahead in this regard.
To delve deeper into this critical topic, readers are encouraged to peruse the full publication.