Citizen engagement that powers circular innovation for permanent magnets
Why public conversations matter
BRIGHT-NIGHT turned Florence into a citywide stage for science. In that setting, Lorenzo Berzi kept the focus on what we can do, not only on what we might lose. Recycling is difficult; it needs continuous improvement in step with technology. As motors get more efficient, our collection and recycling methods must evolve as well.
LCA, in plain words
Life cycle assessment (LCA) monitors and quantifies the impacts of what we do, like new ways to collect and treat end-of-life products. As Lorenzo put it, we’re trying to “transform dry bread back into flour.” That takes energy, equipment, and resources. LCA checks that the effort is worth doing and shows where we can fix the biggest impacts.
A simple example you can picture
Think of a cordless drill. Its compact, high-torque motor relies on a permanent magnetA permanent magnet i… More made with rare earths. The same applies across tools, appliances, and mobility. As Lorenzo said, these capabilities felt “unbelievable” not long ago, so let’s keep them up by recovering magnets instead of dissolving a relevant resource.
“As motors evolve, our recycling must evolve too, so valuable magnets will be valuable magnets again!” — Lorenzo Berzi, Università di Firenze
Where this meets HARMONY
In HARMONY, partners are mapping real magnet value chains—traction motors and wind generators included. We’re still in the inventory phase, so no premature conclusions. Yet two priorities stand out:
Better scrap management: traceability, marking, and information sharing so recyclers know what they’re handling and save resources.
Smarter separation steps: processes that efficiently split alloy elements, reducing losses and impacts.
What citizens and decision-makers can do now
Start small. Repair first when possible. If not, use proper WEEE routes. Many mass-market devices, from cordless tools to small appliances, contain valuable magnets; clear take-back points make correct disposal the easy choice. Local leaders can help by simplifying WEEE collection and signage so people don’t need to guess.
Clearer messages, faster change
“A citizen audience is more demanding,” Lorenzo noted. That’s a strength. It pushes us to keep messages clear and measurable, the same qualities a circular economy needs to scale.
Learn more here!