Rare earth elements are strategically important for the EU to sustain and accelerate its green and digital transition, particularly due to their use in permanent magnets.
This research report examines the major barriers hindering the establishment of a viable magnets recycling chain in the EU, while estimating the extent to which recycling could compensate the upcoming increase in rare earths magnets demand in the foreseeable future.
The report highlights the introduction of product labelling requirements, development of recycling quotas, provision of financial support to recycling operations and establishment of eco-design requirements. These are the critical actions that need to be implemented to ensure the development of magnets recycling in the EU.