Erion and the circular economy

A model to be studied and practiced

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Erion bases its commitment on a model of circular economy promoted also through intensive research and development activities aimed at implementing innovative solutions and business models for the sector. As part of these projects, Erion makes its knowledge of the WEEE, WBA and Packaging Waste sectors available to Producers, startups, research organizations, universities and institutions on several levels by:

  • operating as a link between the actors upstream and downstream of each chain, with an end to better understand their needs and identify the operators that can meet themaccording to the highest efficiency levels. This is the case, for example, of solutions for the use of Secondary Raw Materials by EEE Producers, designed in synergy with those involved in recycling activities;
  • exploiting its technical know-how by supporting researchers, Producers and startups in conducting feasibility analyzes of innovative projects for the value chain and their correct implementation, carrying out pilot tests to validate them on the field;
  • carrying out training activities aimed at students to raise their awareness on issues such as proper waste management, Critical Raw Materials and climate change;
  • dialoguing with all actors in the chain in order to collect, evaluate and summarize proposals for changes in regulatory models.

European research projects

Erion’s field of expertise is evidenced by the prestigious research projects in which it participates, financed by EIT RawMaterials, EIT Climate-KIC and Horizon 2020.

In 2021 alone, Erion was involved in 12 projects, which can be traced back to 3 main areas:

  • Educational projects: aimed at I and II grade school students to raise their awareness and educate them on the correct way to dispose of electronic waste; and projects aimed at university students to raise awareness of the professional skills required in the WEEE and WBA sectors and
    the challenges of the future.
  • Technological innovation projects: to supports companies that intend to develop technological innovation projects on the end-of-life management of EEE and Batteries and Accumulators, putting them in contact with players in the chain with specific know-how and knowledge of the sector to help them understand the feasibility of the ideas and create useful synergies between the actors involved.
  • System innovation projects: aimed at the evolution and improvement of the WEEE and WBA chains, making its in-depth knowledge of the sector available to parties with technological know-how.

Communicating the system, promoting the sector

Erion constantly communicates with its Members, the media, Institutions, citizens and the different stakeholders in the chain to achieve five main objectives:

  • contribute to the improvement of the sectors in which it operates;

  • promote the initiatives carried out by the Erion System;

  • inform about the most important issues related to its activity (e.g. regulatory evolution, technological innovation, circular economy);

  • raise awareness on proper waste management;

  • spread knowledge about circular economy.

To this end, Erion deals with the creation of digital content that it disseminates through its websites and social channels.

Press

22 press releases
1305 articles

Newsletter

In 2021, Erion‘s quarterly newsletter, ErionNews had 18,442 views

EconomiaCircolare.com is the first web newspaper entirely dedicated to the circular economy which offers analysis, in-depth studies and dissemination content intended for professionals and environmental issues enthusiasts with the aim of providing a space for accredited information and extended discussion on the subject.

Created together with the Centro Documentazione Conflitti Ambientali (CDCA), the magazine boasts scientific partnerships with the major Italian institutions in the field of innovation and research – ENEA, ISPRA, UNI, C.N.R., POLIEDRA (Consortium of environmental research of the Politecnico di Milano) and the Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna of Pisa – and intends to
represent a space for accredited information and extended discussion.

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