Have you heard about “electronica”? The world’s leading trade fair and conference for electronics in Munich. In autumn 2024, the Circotronic team including Susanne and Nivedita from Bavaria, Germany attended “electronica” and were blown away by the complexity and diversity of the electronics sector. Since 60 years, “electronica” has represented the entire spectrum of technologies, products and solutions from the entire electronics industry. The international fair reflects the rapid technological development in all areas of electronics. Even the focus of the Circotronic project: that is circular economy in electronics has been a highlight at the “electronica” trade show in 2024.
The Circotronic colleagues from Bavaria were invited to attend a session on BGREEN leaders for entrepreneurs and start-ups providing green & sustainable solutions for electronics. They decided to use the opportunity to additionally visit companies offering circular solutions for electronics at the trade fair.
They searched the exhibitioners list of 244 exhibitors looking for sustainable solutions and attended a pitching session on start-up & company solutions for circular electronics. Here they heard of excellent examples such as from Mayerhofer Electronik GmbH using only 100 % recycled tin in their products while keeping the same quality, durability and price and with social responsibility of the entire supply chain. Furthermore, innovative companies showcased their solutions; these included AGIGA, an electronic components marketplace, FixFirst a SaaS-enabled platform for service providers and operators, shift phone, the first German phone that is fully modular and recyclable, and toZero, a start-up revolutionizing Lithium-ion battery recycling through a patented hydrometallurgical process.
Inspired by the programme, the Circotronic team visited a number of companies engaged in sustainable solutions in electronics such as Symtronic, a partner network of mid-tier companies for the future of electronics. They share expertise and materials, specialized equipment and identify solutions for more sustainable and circular electronics. While it was energizing to visit such initiatives, we know that these constitute only a small percentage of companies. The mainstream (especially SMEs) are faced with mounting challenges such as supply chain disruptions or personnel shortages, that makes it hard to focus on circularity. Yet, events and trade fairs bring together partners to deliver key impulses for the much-needed change that the circular economy can offer for businesses. The Circotronic team from BayFOR are looking forward to be inspired at the next electronica in 2026. Feel free to get in touch if you are interested! (mahida@bayfor.org)
Written by BayFOR