Page 71 from: What’s inside?
TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS
71recyclinginternational.com | May/June | 2024
NEW HOPE FOR RARE EARTHS
Bronneberg is part of the EU-funded R&D project called Reeproduce. A consortium of 15
industry partners from nine different countries have been working on it since its launch in
May 2022. Together, they are targeting the recycling of permanent magnets, which are pop-
ular in the production of electric vehicles.
The goal is to establish a rare earths value chain approximately 70% more environmentally
sustainable, 25% less expensive and 25% more socially sustainable than today’s import-
based arrangement for Neodynium-based magnets. Doing so has the potential to reduce
energy consumption by 66% while cutting CO2 emissions by approximately 70%.
Technologies developed by Reeproduce partners will be validated at pilot scale. At this
stage, the proposed solution will be capable of extracting and treating 70 tonnes of
Nd-based permanent magnets per year, while producing 20 tonnes of rare earth alloy annu-
ally.
Bronneberg applauds such efforts to reduce dependency on rare earth imports. It points out
that only about 1% of rare earths are currently being recycled. Mining scrap for these valu-
able metals could increase European recycling rates to up to 70%.
The consortium cites ‘promising results’ so far. It is eager to boost the solution, which
includes intelligent sorting, to industrial level. Scaling up will take into account competitive
costs (compared to primary production) and the sustainability of the total recycling system.
‘Our clients have grown their opera-
tions in tandem with us. They will opt
for a bigger shear or cable stripper,
for example, once they hit more ton-
nage. Or they will add a mobile solu-
tion to increase their flexibility.’ This
way, existing recycling lines are con-
tinuously upgraded.
‘Our team is happy to give advice and
help trouble-shoot,’ Alexander adds.
‘We’re only a call away and, in most
cases, a short drive. And let us not
forget our field service department
consisting of a fleet of 10 service vans
traveling all over Europe.’
FORWARD THINKING
Above anything, Bronneberg has a
strong focus on innovation. ‘We want
to do more than just sell machines,’
Michiel insists. ‘We want to help the
industry solve current waste prob-
lems. If more people work together,
there’s a better chance of realising a
circular economy.’
An example of this mission is
Bronneberg’s contribution to the
Reeproduce R&D project, funded by
the EU. The venture targets efficient
recovery of rare earth elements used
not only in the drive motors of electric
vehicles but also in AC compressors,
HD-drives, windmills and more. The 15
or so European industry partners have
been working on this for about two
years and, halfway through, are pre-
paring a pilot demonstration.
Michiel picks up a magnetic part from
a dismantled car engine and passes it
around the table. ‘Just imagine the
impact of being able to reclaim and
recycle these high-quality metals to
benefit the automotive sector. It
would be incredible. If we, with our
knowledge, can help make this a real-
ity, we are happy to do our part.’
Bronneberg is also casting its eye to
advanced recycling solutions not yet
in its portfolio, such as smart sorting.
‘We are currently assembling an inno-
vative sorting system in our ware-
house,’ Alexander says, pointing to a
large machine being prepared at the
front of the hall. ‘It’s the one of the
many sorting units we have already
prepared to ship and it definitely
won’t be the last one.’
Father Henri chimes in, recalling how
Bronneberg moved into the current
site ten years ago. ‘I thought I would
probably be retired by the time this
facility became too small for us.
Actually, it took only a few years to fill
the new factory,’ he laughs. ‘It’s not
yet time to scale up again but at this
rate it won’t take another ten years.
Who knows what other exciting recy-
cling solutions will be part of the
Bronneberg brand?’
and social media presence.
‘Promoting our innovative solutions
to worldwide recycling players is key
towards boosting our network,’ says
ceo Michiel.
Everyone has their own strengths and
a unique role within the company, and
he sees that as a huge advantage.
‘We complement each other really
well. Our family-run business compris-
es a talented team of 45 dedicated
employees who, with strong commit-
ment and a passion for technology,
strive to be valuable to our company
every day.’
COMPLETE SOLUTIONS
Of particular interest to Michiel is that
more requests for recycling solutions
are emerging from the manufacturing
industry, as laws and regulations sur-
rounding waste management contin-
ue to tighten and more attention is
being paid to circularity.
‘This is an interesting new market
where we can apply our experience
and expertise to find solutions for
these potential companies. This tar-
get group prefers one source for pro-
viding a total solution rather than
having to deal with multiple compa-
nies.
‘For them, it is important to gain con-
fidence in the solution, where it
comes from, when we can deliver it,
the quality and, of course, our service
that they can count on. With
Bronneberg, it’s about ‘much more’
than just selling a machine.’
The ceo points out that Bronneberg
has established long-lasting and
exclusive partnerships with leading
specialists in recycling machinery such
as: Louritex from Portugal, ForRec &
MG from Italy, Rotobec from Canada
and Holmatro from the Netherlands.
‘This allows us to deliver a full solu-
tion each time. No extra wait times,
no confusion. One united team to
reach out to if there are any ques-
tions.’
According to Alexander, this level of
service and commitment is what
makes recyclers come back. ‘Some
have replaced their machines four or
five times. Such loyalty is the biggest
compliment you can get.
Bronneberg is growing its fleet.
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