From The Founder
Weekly insights on emerging technologies, Life Cycle Assessment methodology, and supply chain analysis from Boundless' Founder and CEO Michele Demers. Exploring what matters for cleantech innovation, sustainable material decisions, and credible climate impact measurement.
Closing the Loop on Critical Materials: Electronics Recycling for Critical Metals
Every smartphone, laptop, and electric vehicle battery contains rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium, and other critical materials essential for clean energy technologies. Yet globally, less than 20% of e-waste gets recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or informal recycling operations that recover only the most valuable metals while losing rare earths entirely.
This linear system causes escalating problems: primary mining severely harms the environment, supply chains are concentrated in volatile regions, and growing demand for electrification and renewables exceeds new supply. However, millions of tons of e-waste contain recoverable materials that could decrease mining reliance and supply chain risks.