The RETURN Process

Identifying Value Before Processing

Before recycling begins, we focus on maximising the value of incoming ewaste. Printed
circuit boards (PCBs) are extracted from higherend electronics such as laptops, PCs, and
small household appliances. Highvalue components, including chips and RAM, are removed
for resale. The remaining PCBs are then sorted into valuebased fractions for further
processing.

AI-Driven Material Analysis

For items that cannot be reused, we move to accurate analysis. Using advanced vision systems and metals analysis, we are creating digital models of the Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). This step identifies the exact material composition of the waste stream, allowing us to target high-value recovery areas with unprecedented accuracy.

Precision Disassembly

Unlike bulk shredding, we treat e-waste with precision. We are developing mechanical component depopulation to remove specific parts from the base boards.

Green Chemistry to Recover Precious Metals

This is the heart of the RETURN innovation. We replace high-temperature smelting furnaces with Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) – biodegradable, low hazard liquid salts that allow dissolution and subsequent recovery of metals at low temperatures (<100°C).

High-Purity Output

The recovered metals will undergo a refining process to be returned to their solid state with industrial-grade purity. The focus in RETURN is on high purity Copper, Silver, Palladium and Gold.

Trust, Traceability & Transparency

The recovered metals will carry a digital materials passport that links key information, such as provenance, quality, sustainability attributes, and relevant manufacturing metrics, directly to each output material product.

These passports will underpin sales on the Digital Marketplace, where prospective buyers can review material specifications and, subject to appropriate access permissions, explore deeper technical and sustainability data associated with the recovered metals.

Impact, Traceability & Environmental Sustainability

Beyond recovery and refining, RETURN integrates a structured lifecycle and circularity assessment layer across the entire process. Each material stream is evaluated for environmental impact, energy intensity, circularity performance, safety standards, and overall supply chain value.

This step ensures transparent sustainability metrics, verified traceability, and regulatory alignment – including compliance readiness with frameworks such as the Critical Raw Materials Act.