Smart surfaces
Global Recycling Ecosystem Partnerships Support the Adaptation of IMSE Technology throughout the Lifecycle
TactoTek, a leading provider of In-Mold Structural Electronics (IMSE) technology, has signed a Recycling Ecosystem Partnership contract with Universal Recycling Technologies, LLC (North-America). As a part of TactoTek’s sustainability approach and the objective to develop more environmentally friendly electronics, TactoTek is building a global Recycling Ecosystem. This development promotes efficient recycling of manufacturing waste and IMSE end-of-life parts. The Recycling Ecosystem Partnership enables TactoTek’s licensees to recycle IMSE production-related electronics waste in an efficient, environmentally friendly, and sustainable way. The recycling is done by the partner companies in the Recycling Ecosystem.
Tackling the Challenge of Electronic Waste While Improving the Material Recovery and Circularity of IMSE
When introducing a new technology to the market, it is crucial that sustainability aspects are taken into account in the early phase of new technology adaptation. To maximize material recovery and circularity of its novel technology, TactoTek is continuously studying IMSE recycling with the help of global recycling partners and research facilities. By building a Recycling Ecosystem, TactoTek aims to support IMSE manufacturing licensees during all stages of the IMSE value chain. Efficient recycling and subsequent material recovery are vital in all businesses, especially in the electronics industry, as electronics waste, commonly referred to as e-waste, is the largest growing waste stream in the world. Currently, only 20% of the waste is formally recycled.
IMSE Recycling Ecosystem Brings Together Recycling Professionals and IMSE Manufacturing Licensees
By being part of the IMSE Recycling Ecosystem, the recycling company will be introduced to the IMSE manufacturing licensees. This relationship between the parties is independent and non-exclusive – each party being in full control of their businesses. TactoTek verifies the recycling partners by providing them with an IMSE-related sample set, and they in turn provide TactoTek with reports to confirm their capability of recycling the IMSE waste fractions.
Now-Signed Agreements Act as Important Step in Building a Global IMSE Recycling Ecosystem
Sampo Pirilä, Manager, Product Planning & Sustainability at TactoTek states: “We are happy to have signed the first Recycling Ecosystem Partnership Agreements. These partnerships are important building blocks in our mission to take concrete actions to support our clients during the whole lifecycle of our technology and maximizing its circularity. Sustainability and environmental performance are at the core of our business, and efficient recycling of our technology is vital for the future.”
“We are excited to see where this journey takes us, and how we can help TactoTek in serving the IMSE clients in North America” stated John Kendall, Director, Environmental Health & Safety, Universal Recycling Technologies, LLC (URT).
About TactoTek®
TactoTek is the leading provider of Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE®) solutions that integrate printed circuitry and electronic components into 3D injection molded smart surfaces. Leading IMSE use cases include human-machine interfaces (HMI), connectivity, and electronic styling features for automotive, smart homes, appliances, and other markets. IMSE outperforms conventional electronics manufacturing methods by reducing Greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Benefiting from simulated design processes and reduced material use, IMSE Designed smart surfaces are considerably lighter in mass, leading to substantial lifetime greenhouse gas reductions. TactoTek develops and industrializes IMSE technology, creates mass production-ready IMSE prototypes, and licenses IMSE technology for 3rd party IMSE part design and global mass production.
TactoTek is funded by international leaders in finance and industry committed to advancing technology solutions that benefit consumers and the environment. TactoTek investors include Conor Venture Partners, 3M Ventures, Repsol Energy Ventures, Faurecia Ventures, Voima Ventures, Tesi, Nidoco AB, and Cornes. For more information, please visit tactotek.com.
About Universal Recycling Technologies
As a multi-certified leader in the electronics recycling industry, Universal Recycling Technologies, LLC (URT) provides full-service electronic and universal waste solutions to everyone from governments and OEMs to the individual consumer. We strive to provide full circular solutions for all materials, while maximizing its value. URT offers complete downstream transparency, giving our partners the peace of mind to know their materials have been processed in an ethical, safe, and secure manner. To learn more about URT, visit www.URTsolutions.com.
Media Contacts
TactoTek
Karthikesh Raju
SVP Product Management and Marketing
karthikesh.raju@tactotek.com
Universal Recycling Technologies
Ray Zielke
Vice President of Sales and Marketing
rzielke@URTsolutions.com
608-718-6858
