Swedish Tech Leaders Forge Alliance to Tackle E-Waste Crisis
STOCKHOLM, SWEDENS, 3rd APRIL 2025- The Swedish Environmental Research Institute and Ericsson are working together towards a common goal of improving circularity on electronic waste in the telecom sector.
This collaboration aims to expedite Sweden’s net-zero emissions goal by remapping the value chain of obsolete telecom devices.
In Rönnskär, Sweden, practical trials have been performed at Boliden’s e-waste facility to track the recovery and recycling of copper and other precious metals.
Using digital interfaces, partners plan to track step by step—waste creation to recycling—time and location components are within the entire process.
This information should lead to improved operational execution, better monetization of waste, and reduced harmful effects on the environment.
“To become the world’s most climate-friendly and respected metal provider is our vision. We will need to lead in innovation and digitalization for that to be accomplished,”
Raymond Langevoort, Director of Raw Materials at Boliden, stated.
“Collaborating with Ericsson is crucial for us to enable further circularity and for realizing our vision.”
The initiative aims to integrate Ericsson Connected Recycling, which is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for improving the traceability and monetization of wastes and end-of-life products for a more circular economy.
Sophia Fahlen, Head of Ericsson Connected Recycling, commented on the impact of digitalization towards Ericsson’s goal:
“Alongside Boliden, we greatly illustrate how digitalization and connectivity can enable material circularity. As recycling becomes more advanced, data and traceability become non-negotiable. We aim to change the narrative within the sector that perceives waste as a cost to be managed, rather considering it useful raw material for circular value chains.”
Over the last five years, Ericsson has been achieving over 90% product recyclability. The company is also implementing industry standards that call for the inclusion of recycled material content to augment the tracking of reclaimed materials in electronic equipment.
Ericsson is also actively stimulating the adoption of circular economy principles by designing products that are upgradable, durable, easy to repair, and recyclable.
Looking ahead, Boliden, IVL, and Ericsson plan to expand the consortium with additional stakeholders and conduct more detailed investigations and life cycle analyses to further advance e-waste circularity in the telecom sector.
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