Site Visit and 3rd SGM in Lens, France
From July 2 to July 3, RAW4RES partners and their stakeholders gathered in Lens, France for a two-day visit to business sites that have enhanced sustainability, traceability and transparency through the adoption of sustainability certifications and have achieved compliance with green investment criteria, focusing on EU Taxonomy requirements.
On the first day, RAW4RES partners gathered at the premises of TEAM 2, the activity leader, where they had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Region of Hauts-de-France and to take a glimpse from MECAWARE, a producer of strategic raw materials by recycling end of life batteries and scraps. In particular, Hauts-de-France Region took center stage with a presentation highlighting its multifaceted approach to the circular economy. They delved into specific areas like mobility, healthcare and nutrition, bioeconomy, and creative industries, outlining how these sectors can be transformed through circular practices. The presentation also encompassed materials, energies, and even digital and robotics, showcasing the region's comprehensive vision for a sustainable future. MECAWARE presented their cutting-edge technology on how to produce raw materials that are essential for the development of circular economy value chains by the valorization of end of life batteries and scraps.
Partnership's first visit was held at TN Industrie premises. TN Industrie is a pioneering entity in recycling of strategic materials and end of life equipment such as medical equipment and has invented a process dedicated to the recovery of glycemic sensors. Partners had the opportunity to witness the whole process of the recovery of the materials and build their capacity on urban mining good practices and strategies. Also TN industrie's focus is on circular economy through the industralization of the recovered materials.
The day was concluded with a site visit to LUMIVER, an independent company that has specialized for over 20 years in the collection and treatment of WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and the transit of Hazardous Industrial Waste. Partners gathered valuable information and insights focusing on all stages of waste management activities.
On the 2nd day, partners visited Recytech, a specialized entity that valorise industrial waste to recover Zinc. Partners witnessed the whole process of the treatment and valorization of zinc containing residues produced by a rotary kiln. Recytech is focusing on urban mining a practice that is essential to be adopted by the EU regions to mitigate their reliance on imports from countries with low governance standards.
The day concluded with another visit to Envie company. This French network of companies is not only focusing on the reuse of electronical devices but they have an alternative focus on social inclusion as it gives to people facing employment barriers a chance to gain job skills. They achieve this by employing individuals on short-term contracts while training them in the collection, repair, and resale of used electronics, particularly household appliances. Rather than simply discarding this electronic waste (WEEE), Envie breathes new life into it, offering refurbished products at affordable prices through their network of nearly 45 stores.
On July 4th, the 3rd SGM of the RAW4RES project, organised by TEAM2, took place in Lens. The meeting was organised in sessions, covering all aspects of the current and upcoming activities of the 4th Semester, foreseen by the RAW4RES Application Form. At the end of each session, active discussion took place, enabling participants to clarify issues, introduce considerations, set directions, and reach decisions by consensus.