The move away from a linear economic model to a consistent circular economy is derived from both ecological and economic goals. In addition to protecting the climate and conserving material resources, competitiveness, independence from raw materials, employment and local value creation play a role here. Exceeding planetary limits and recycling rates that have so far been low on average internationally underline the need for a more consistent approach to recovering resources, including for used vehicle electronics. In the innovative electronics recycling route developed by TU Clausthal instead of the conventional car shredding route, electronics are separated and sorted from other material flows early in the process and can thus be fed into mechanical processing. While CO₂ emissions can only be reduced insignificantly as a result, a significantly higher proportion of valuable metals, especially gold, can be recovered.

Prof. Dr. Christine Minke used the technology to provide an insight into the research activities of the Institute for Processing, Recycling and Circular Economy Systems (IFAD) at TU Clausthal as part of the theme day "Sustainability in the wiring harness" on March 6th at the OHLF in Wolfsburg.