What role should producers play in accelerating the transition to a truly circular model in the electronics sector?

Producers have a crucial responsibility to lead the transition to a circular model covering the entire product life cycle, from design to end of use. Incorporating eco-design principles that promote durability, repairability and recyclability is essential, as is adopting business models based on reuse, refurbishment and take-back systems to reduce the extraction of resources.

They should also foster collaborative innovation with other industry stakeholders to scale up circular solutions and improve WEEE collection. Equally important is their educational and cultural leadership – promoting transparency, responsible consumption and awareness campaigns that shift mindsets and make sustainability a true competitive advantage.

What barriers hinder consumer involvement in WEEE recycling and how can they be overcome?

The main barriers to public participation in WEEE recycling are a lack of understanding of what these waste streams are and how to properly recycle them, limited convenience or access to collection points, and the absence of direct incentives to actively encourage their return. These factors make it harder for many devices to reach the proper channels for responsible management.

To address these obstacles, the sector needs to invest in continuous education and awareness campaigns, make collection easier through a more accessible network and use digital tools to inform and reward consumers. It is also important to introduce tangible incentives and create an emotional connection with the public by showing the positive impact of recycling, helping to build trust and commitment.

What sets ECOTIC apart as an Extended Producer Responsibility Collective System (EPRCS) in an increasingly demanding sustainability and regulatory landscape after 20 years?

Being part of ECOTIC enables companies to comply collectively with current environmental legislation, reducing legal risks and avoiding major individual investment in infrastructure or logistics. ECOTIC also offers extensive technical and legal expertise, helping members adapt to evolving regulations such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the European Green Deal.

In addition, ECOTIC strengthens companies’ commitment to the circular economy and ESG criteria, enhancing their competitiveness and reputation. Its collective model and ongoing updates ensure that companies are well prepared for future challenges in an increasingly demanding, sustainability-driven regulatory landscape.