REMHub M12.

REMHub EU project Clustering session: Identifying research gaps and challenges in REE and Permanent Magnet recycling in the EU

On October 1st, the REMHub M12 Consortium Meeting opened with an EU project clustering session that brought together a wide range of partners and initiatives working on rare earth elements, permanent magnet recycling, and related technologies. The themes were various and touched many interesting hot topics, from innovative treatment of batteries, additive manufacturing, novel hybrid material, EoL permanent magnets: reuse and recycling.

The session attracted several EU project coordinators and experts working on critical raw materials, REE recovery, and permanent magnet manufacturing. Projects presented included CARAMEL GREENE, HydroWEEE, LIFE INSPIREE, PASSENGER, MASE, Hy-SPRINT, ReCreate, Rendering 3D, BIKE, BEETHOVEN, HyberMag, and the PERMANET project funded under the same call as REMHub.

After the project presentations, three thematic discussions followed, each led by REMHub partners.

Research Gaps and Challenges in Permanent Magnet Recycling

Led by Professor Giovanni Dotelli from Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering (DCMC) of Politecnico di Milano.

This session focused on the current challenges across the permanent magnet recycling value chain. Binder jetting was highlighted as an innovative additive manufacturing technique, well suited for hybrid products. However, it also raised several strategic questions:

  • What is the future role of additive manufacturing in the PM supply chain?
  • What benefits could hybrid supply chains bring, and how can they be implemented?

 

Both academia and industry agreed on several technical priorities:

  • Traceability is essential to validate supply chains and assess reusability. Digital product passports (DPP) are the key available method for tracking product quality, properties, and origin.
  • Traceability also guides the recycling process by clarifying what can be recovered and how.
  • Standardisation is needed for recycled raw material criteria and processes.
  • Normalisation is necessary for product reuse and production of recycled products.
  • Ecodesign regulations encouraging easy disassembly cannot be applied to EV motors due to their current design constraints.

Best Practices and Collaboration in Chemical Recycling

Led by Engineer Maurizio Bellotto, Opigeo Srl (University of Padua spin-off)

This discussion examined hydrometallurgical, pyrometallurgical, and emerging chemical recycling approaches for rare earth elements. The focus was on scalability, environmental responsibility, and opportunities for cross-project collaboration.

Key questions that emerged:

  • Are REE-rich process streams environmentally invasive?
  • What happens to the remaining waste streams?
  • What is the realistic timeline for scaling from lab-scale to pilot plants?

 

The conversation stressed that REE recovery must be paired with broader environmental stewardship. Wastewater and secondary waste streams must be handled in ways that do not introduce new environmental burdens. Scaling remains difficult due to limited investments, regulatory barriers, and lack of space, and strongly depends on industry commitment.

Standardisation, Digital Passports, and Policy for Magnet Recycling

Led by Damijan Miljavec, University of Ljubljana, Electrical Engineering Department

This session highlighted the need for harmonised standards for permanent magnet containing devices, digital product passports, and supportive regulatory frameworks.

Key points discussed included:

  • Research into electric machine design without HREEs but with comparable performance. In sectors like military and medical technology, HREEs remain essential and must be used strategically.
  • DPPs can support multiple actors, including reducing dependence on imports from China.
  • DPPs must include unified data relevant for magnet producers, dismantling processes, and electric machine manufacturers.
  • Governments should provide clearer descriptions of PM-containing products, especially for strategic applications.
  • Highly regulated dismantling standards may reduce competitiveness if not aligned with market conditions.
  • Devices containing PMs should be processed within the EU. Exporting them after use should not be allowed.

Reflections and next steps

REMHub partners are jointly working to advance recovery technologies and scalable additive manufacturing methods, while ensuring that traceability supports the development of effective digital product passports and recycled-material value chains.

Across the three sessions, a shared theme emerged: challenges exist at every stage of the value chain, from mining and exploration to remanufacturing and reuse. Collaboration, standardisation, and innovative engineering will be essential to close these gaps and strengthen Europe’s capabilities in rare earth element recovery and permanent magnet recycling.