{"id":48761,"date":"2026-09-10T17:25:52","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T15:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nlmtd.com\/?post_type=cases&p=48761"},"modified":"2026-09-10T17:25:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-10T15:25:53","slug":"circular-consumer-electronics-chain-innovation","status":"publish","type":"cases","link":"https:\/\/nlmtd.com\/en\/cases\/circular-consumer-electronics-chain-innovation\/","title":{"rendered":"Circular Consumer Electronics: A Comprehensive Overview of the Current Materials Supply Chain and the Steps Needed to Close the Loop"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Circular Consumer Electronics: A Comprehensive Overview of the Current Materials Supply Chain and the Steps Needed to Close the Loop<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tSustainability<\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Challenge<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Achieving a circular consumer electronics industry requires a comprehensive, quantitative understanding of the entire supply chain’s circularity, from material inflows and product use to end of life outflows.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Result<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Together with stakeholders across the supply chain, we mapped the current level of circularity in small consumer electronics, identified the key priorities for the Netherlands to achieve its circularity goals, and clarified the roles that different supply chain actors must play in this transition.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Client<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

As the Netherlands’ national investment and development agency, Invest-NL contributes to a more sustainable and innovative Netherlands.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

In brief<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Small consumer electronics are a crucial piece of the puzzle in building a circular economy. On behalf of Invest-NL, we conducted a material flow analysis and carried out in-depth interviews with stakeholders across the value chain. For the first time, this provides a comprehensive overview of the entire supply chain, highlighting both its current level of circularity and the steps still required to achieve a fully circular system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
In-depth interviews<\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t0<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
A Comprehensive Overview of the Small Consumer Electronics Supply Chain<\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t0<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
Recommendations for Creating a Circular Supply Chain<\/div>\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t0<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Challenge<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Increasing amounts of electronic waste<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The use of consumer electronics continues to grow, increasing environmental pressures and generating ever larger volumes of electronic waste. As a result, valuable and critical raw materials are lost to landfills, further increasing our dependence on imports from other countries.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
From Linear to Circular<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

On the path to a circular economy by 2050, clear targets have been set for 2030: new electronic products must be sustainably designed and recyclable, their circular potential must be fully utilized, and end of life devices must be recycled to a high standard.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
A comprehensive overview of the supply chain is missing<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Steering this transition requires a clearer understanding of the current situation. To date, there has been no comprehensive, quantitative assessment of the circularity of consumer electronics in the Netherlands. Without such an overview, it is difficult to identify where the greatest opportunities for circularity exist and which interventions can deliver the greatest impact.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Process<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We conducted a material flow analysis and extensive desk research. To validate and deepen our findings, we also carried out interviews with stakeholders across the entire supply chain. Drawing on these insights, we developed a comprehensive, quantitative picture of the current level of circularity in the consumer electronics supply chain and formulated recommendations for accelerating the transition to a more circular system.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

A Deep Dive into the Process<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Defining the Scope<\/strong><\/p>

On behalf of nlmtd, Marthe Posthumus and Kasja Oostindie conducted the research. They began by defining the project’s objectives and scope. Together with Invest-NL, they explored which material flows should be examined in detail and ultimately focused on small consumer electronics, including smartphones, laptops, and small household appliances.<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>
There were two main reasons for this choice. First, these devices contain relatively high concentrations of critical raw materials. Second, they are reused far less frequently than larger appliances such as washing machines. As a result, this category presents a significant circularity challenge and offers considerable potential for improvement.<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Data Collection<\/strong><\/p>

The second phase focused on data collection. \u201cThis phase partly overlapped with defining the scope,\u201d Kasja explains. \u201cTo investigate a topic properly, relevant data must be available. That proved to be a challenge, as reliable and detailed information on both inflows and outflows was often difficult to obtain. As a result, we narrowed the analysis to three key categories: displays and monitors, small household appliances, and telecommunications and ICT equipment.\u201d<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>
To collect the necessary data, the team collaborated with organizations that monitor and track key material flows within the sector: Stichting OPEN and SCYCLE\/UNITAR. As custodians of industry data, these organizations are recognized authorities in the field, helping to ensure the reliability and credibility of the analysis.<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>
Analyzing and Gaining Deeper Insights<\/strong><\/div>
The next phase involved analyzing the collected data and conducting stakeholder interviews. Building on their initial findings, Marthe and Kasja spoke with fifteen stakeholders from across the supply chain, including manufacturers, retailers, repair businesses, and recyclers.<\/div>
\u201cOnly they can provide the story behind the numbers,\u201d Marthe explains. \u201cWhere are things already working well, and what challenges do these parties continue to face? These conversations allowed us to validate our findings and enrich them with practical insights.\u201d<\/div>
\u00a0<\/div>
Writing the Report<\/strong><\/div>
The final phase was drafting the report. The main challenge was interpreting the insights that had been gathered. How should the data be explained? Which themes emerged consistently from the interviews? And what recommendations could be drawn from them?<\/div>
The report was then reviewed by several stakeholders. \u201cThat is an important step as well,\u201d says Kasja. \u201cIt allows us to share the findings with the sector and ensure that the picture we have presented accurately reflects reality.\u201d<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Result<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

A Comprehensive View of the Entire Chain
<\/strong>For the first time, there is now a comprehensive, quantitative overview of the circularity of material flows in small consumer electronics\u2014from inflow to use and outflow. It turns out that one-third of small electronics still end up in \u201cregular\u201d waste and that new products consist of only 15% recycled materials.<\/p>

Toward Circularity
<\/strong>. Equally important is that the various stakeholders now have a better understanding of what they need to focus on to achieve the 2030 and 2050 goals. The report contains numerous concrete recommendations, divided into three categories: reduce (focused on using fewer and better materials), extend (extending product lifespans), and recover (recovering materials or energy).<\/p>

Collaboration Across the Entire Supply Chain<\/strong>
A key conclusion is that further progress requires collaboration across the entire supply chain to make circularity scalable and attractive to investors. The report also specifies the roles that the various stakeholders must play in making the supply chain circular.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Link to the report: https:\/\/www.invest-nl.nl\/nl\/kennis-en-publicaties\/rapport-circulariteit-kleine-consumentenelektronica<\/a><\/em><\/p>

Want to see more results from the study<\/a>?<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Next Steps<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t