Two Days of Innovation and Strategy for a Sustainable Circular Economy in Frankfurt
For two full days, Frankfurt became a hub for innovation and strategic dialogue, focusing on building a sustainable circular economy. The concept behind E-Waste World, along with its three co-located events—Battery Recycling, Metal Recycling, and ITAD & Circular Electronics—offered a comprehensive look into every facet of the circular economy. What may seem ambitious on paper proved highly effective in practice: Over 300 exhibitors showcased their products, solutions, and innovations in Hall 12 of Messe Frankfurt. The exhibition was complemented by four parallel conference tracks, each dedicated to core topics of the circular economy. Around 200 speakers provided fresh insights, explored industry trends, and addressed current challenges. Numerous panel discussions added depth by presenting diverse perspectives on pressing issues, often inviting active audience participation. A recurring theme throughout the event was a strong call for collaboration, with speakers and participants alike emphasizing the need for greater networking among stakeholders to drive forward practical, scalable solutions for the circular economy.
Strong Turnout at E-Waste 2025
Given the current geopolitical situation and the past, present, and potential future disruptions in raw material supply chains, action is more necessary than ever. All the more surprising, then, are the findings from manufacturing companies based in the host state of the trade fair: only a small fraction of firms have so far engaged with the implications and opportunities presented by the European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). This insight comes from a recent survey conducted by Technologieland Hessen, an agency that advises businesses on behalf of the Hessian Ministry of Economic Affairs. The CRMA sets ambitious targets for recycling and raw material sourcing, while also aiming to diversify and strengthen material supply. Its impact on industry is far-reaching, yet it appears that the message has not fully resonated across the board.
Dr. Shobhan Dhir presented the IEA Critical Minerals Report
China Expands Its Market Dominance – Including in Recycling
The urgency of diversifying the sourcing of critical raw materials was underscored in a presentation by Dr. Shobhan Dhir, a raw materials analyst at the International Energy Agency (IEA). For 19 elements essential to the energy sector, China is the leading producer of these elements. Geographic concentration is increasing, particularly in the refining of raw materials. Meanwhile, global investment in the exploration of new deposits is on the decline. In the case of lithium, a key battery metal, this trend is linked to new projects that have recently come online. As a result, falling market prices make investments in long-lead-time projects less attractive, at least until the next shortage arises.
The growing market share of alternative battery technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries, is likely to further strengthen China’s position, as the country is already the global leader in cathode production. The same applies to battery recycling. In addition, as James Watson, Director of the industry association Eurometaux, explained, China is actively purchasing aluminum and copper scrap on the global market, securing raw materials at prices often well above market value, leaving European buyers at a disadvantage. This strategy contributes to the emergence of supply bottlenecks.
In principle, metals can be recycled almost indefinitely, albeit with some losses, without compromising the quality of the final product. As such, the need for new mines and environmental disruption could be significantly reduced, provided sufficient recycled material is available. According to IEA estimates, copper recycling alone could reduce the demand for new mines by around 40% by 2050.
Tireless at Work: A Sorting Robot on Duty
In addition to highly informative presentations on the current market landscape, the conference offered first-hand insights into the real-world implementation of circular economy principles. Some talks also served as provocations to reflect, particularly on issues such as greenwashing: the marketing of supposedly sustainable production practices that, in reality, benefit the brand more than the environment. One striking example involved established material recycling loops, such as those for beverage cans. Here, non-industry corporations purchase recycled materials to label their products as “green,” while the beverage sector is left short of the recycled input it relies on, forcing it to revert to virgin material — and thereby worsening its environmental footprint.
The topic came to life even more vividly on the exhibition floor, where robots sorted discarded electronics, and shredders pulverized magnets for further processing. The presence of both established industry leaders and start-ups showcasing innovative circular solutions highlighted just how vital the issue has become. Yet despite all the available technologies and services, one factor remains critical: human behavior. The tendency to hoard old electronics, driven by convenience or sentiment, means that many valuable raw materials are left to go to waste. The notorious “drawer of doom”, filled with millions of idle smartphones and other devices, is growing ever larger. As echoed throughout the event, incentives and awareness initiatives are urgently needed to mobilize these dormant resources and return them to the circular economy.
Magnetic Separator Roars Through Material Streams
Event Becomes a Fixed Date on the Calendar
Having already grown noticeably this year, the organizers of E-Waste have even bigger plans for 2026, when the event will take place in the central Hall 3. According to the organizers, exhibitor interest is already high, including from companies that did not participate this year. With the E-Waste World, Battery Recycling, and Metal Recycling Conference and Expo establishing themselves at the Frankfurt location, the event is rapidly becoming an unmissable international fixture for the industry.
That’s a wrap
Photo: Valentin Ghita via Canva, Montage Rawmaterials.net