Circular Economy in Action: e-waste and waste batteries best practices

In Italy, the treatment of WEEE and waste batteries (WB) is still largely focused on the primary stages of mechanical processing. To date, no national facility is capable of recycling Critical Raw Materials (CRM) on an industrial scale, with the exception of copper. At the same time, the recent Italian Decree on Critical Raw Materials (2024) does not appear to be fully aligned with the European Critical Raw Materials Regulation, which sets the objective of meeting at least 25% of each Member State's CRM demand through recycling. In this context, the conference aims to:
• provide an overview of the most advanced European experiences in CRM recycling;
• explore the industrial strategies of the European Union;
• analyse Italy's position and future prospects.

This event will offer a dialogue platform between institutions, industry operators and Stakeholder to assess whether and how WEEE and battery recycling can effectively contribute to reducing Europe's dependence on imports of critical raw materials.

Session Chair

Andrea Fluttero, President, Erion Compliance Organization

Program

Opening remarks
Andrea Fluttero, President, Erion Compliance Organization

European systems for the treatment of WEEE and waste batteries
Pascal Leroy, Director General, WEEE Forum
Eric Ruyters, Director General, Eucobat

Industrial experiences in Europe
Jan Tytgat, Director Government Affairs – Umicore

European strategies and autonomy in Critical Raw Materials
Can WEEE and battery recycling reduce Europe's dependence on third countries? Is there a common industrial strategy, or do national approaches prevail?
Possible speakers:
Rana Pant, Policy Officer European Commission  (TBC)
Representative of European Commission (TBD)
Representative of European Environment Agency (TBD)

Italy's role: Opportunities and Challenges
What levers can support the development of CRM refining facilities in Italy? What is the current dialogue with the European Union?
Laura D'Aprile, Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security (TBC)
Alessandro Danesi , Commercial Director – Seval Group
Stefania Timperi, Head of Market Intelligence and Opportunity Identification – ENI
Elisabetta Perrotta, ASSOAMBIENTE (National Association of Environmental Services and Circular Economy Companies)

Closing remarks
Representative of Erion