Impact Display for increased Circularity of Telecommunication Equipment
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 960 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
Yes, the primary objectives of this feasibility study were to: - Map the lifecycle of outdated telecom network equipment (3G-, 4G-antennas, radios, routers etc), identifying opportunities for increased reuse and recycling. - Establish a network of stakeholders to facilitate collaboration and data sharing. - Develop the foundations for a digital reporting system to track the handling of outdated telecom equipment and assess its impact on circularity and sustainability.
Expected long term effects
By achieving these objectives, the study seeks to contribute to the broader goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving critical raw materials (CRMs), and supporting the EU´s resilience targets outlined in the CRMA. Industry actors in the value chain of outdated telecom equipment, as well as authorities, have connected and been brought to attention the opportunities of a more transparent value chain, for the sake of increased resource efficiency and more accurate data reporting.
Approach and implementation
We contacted various stakeholders in the value chain and scheduled interviews to map the current flow of end-of-life telecom equipment. Some stakeholders were difficult to reach, first due to Christmas holidays and then due to their intense workload. Therefore, workshops and site visits for practical trials were postponed and all compilation was concentrated towards the end of the project period. Apart from this, six months for this type of study was sufficient and the structure was good.