The Secretariat of the Basel Convention, together with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has released a report providing patent-based evidence on the available technologies and patenting trends in the area of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and material recovery.
12 December 2013: The Secretariat of the Basel Convention, together with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), has released a report providing patent-based evidence on the available technologies and patenting trends in the area of electronic waste (e-waste) recycling and material recovery.
‘Patent Landscape Report on E-Waste Recycling Technologies’ details patent applications and granted patents within the space of e-waste processing, and the recycling and recovery of materials from consumer products at the end of their useful life. The report draws on additional reference information, including news and other business data sources, to extend real-world applicability and verify the interest and commercial activity of entities mentioned.
According to the report, the patent activity of global e-waste innovation points strongly to the commodification of electronic waste; in particular, as a source of high value materials, such as rare earth metals (e.g. lanthanum, neodymium and praseodymium). The report highlights a similar trend for noble metals, in particular silver, but also gold and platinum.
The report is intended to provide background and supporting information to the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE) under the Basel Convention and also to complement the Guideline on Material Recovery and Recycling of End-of-Life Mobile Phones and the Guideline on Environmentally Sound Material Recovery and Recycling of End-of-Life Computing Equipment. [WIPO Press Release] [Publication: Patent Landscape Report on E-Waste Recycling Technologies] [Basel Convention Press Release]