About the
EVEN CLOSER
project: Critical Raw Materials Recovery for EU Semiconductors
EVEN-CLOSER is a European initiative driving critical raw materials recovery from e-waste to build a circular value chain for semiconductors by recovering and reusing critical raw materials from e-waste and industrial waste.
FUNDING & BUDGET
A Strategic Investment in Circular Innovation
EVEN CLOSER is supported by the European Union under the European Union’s I3 Instrument (Interregional Innovation Investments), managed by EISMEA, combining EU funding with direct investment from project partners to drive large-scale circular innovation in the semiconductor sector.
Project at a Glance
What We Do
Promoting circular models for semiconductor materials, from recovery to regeneration.
Why It Matters
Reducing EU reliance on imported critical raw materials and improving supply resilience.
Who Is Involved
A consortium of 44 companies, universities, and research centres across Europe.
Duration
A 36-month project with milestones set for early implementation.
Critical Raw Materials Recovery: A Strategic Challenge for Europe
Europe’s semiconductor industry relies heavily on imported critical raw materials such as silicon, gallium, indium, and germanium. This dependency exposes key sectors-including automotive, energy, and digital technologies-to supply risks and geopolitical uncertainty.
EVEN CLOSER addresses this challenge by enabling circular solutions that transform waste into valuable resources and strengthen Europe’s industrial resilience.
OBJECTIVES
Building a Sustainable and Resilient
Semiconductor Ecosystem in Europe
1. Recover critical raw materials (Si, Ga, In, Ge)
2. Develop advanced recycling technologies
3. Reuse materials in semiconductor production
4. Reinforce Europe’s technological independence
HOW THE PROJECT WORKS
A Strategic Framework Built on Four Pillars
EVEN-CLOSER is structured around four strategic pillars that transform circular ambition into concrete industrial actions—from waste recovery to manufacturing, ecosystem development, and long-term impact.
Pillar 1
Forging the Foundation
Systematically map, collect, and prepare semiconductor-rich e-waste to fuel the circular value chain.
Mapping & Tracking
- Identification of 50 semiconductor-rich waste streams across Europe
- Integration with a network of 20,000+ companies
Digital Tracking
- Processing capacity scaled from
10 kg/h → 50 kg/h
- >95% accuracy through AI-powered sorting
- 300+ kg of semiconductor-rich waste pre-processed
Sorting & Processing
- Establishment of local repair and refurbishment hubs
- Extension of product lifecycle and material value
Pillar 2
Manufacturing the Future
Develop and scale circular processes to transform waste into high-value semiconductor materials and components.
Reinventing PCBs (WP3)
- Circular remanufacturing of printed circuit boards
- Integration of recycled materials into new components
Critical Materials Recovery (WP4)
- Industrial recovery of Ga, In, Ge
- Scalable processes with 1,000L capacity
- Mobile recovery units for remote regions
PV Recycling & Silicon (WP5–WP6)
- >99.6% material recovery from PV panels
- >99.5% pure silicon powder
- Production of 9N–10N ultra-pure polysilicon
Major Investment
- Establishment of the Calabria PV Recycling Hub, the most advanced pilot plant in the EU Mediterranean region
Pillar 3
Building the Ecosystem
Create the conditions for a circular economy to scale beyond technology alone.
Market Activation (WP7)
- Circular remanufacturing of printed circuit boards
- Integration of recycled materials into new components
Policy & Logistics (WP8)
- Industrial recovery of Ga, In, Ge
- Scalable processes with 1,000L capacity
- Mobile recovery units for remote regions
Pillar 4
Amplifying the Impact
Ensure long-term impact through knowledge dissemination, skills development, and market adoption.
Knowledge & Skills (WP9)
- Launch of EU-wide training programmes (MOOC)
- Development of a skilled workforce in semiconductor recycling
- Dissemination via digital channels and stakeholder networks
Commercialization & Collaboration
- Target of ≥ €26 million in signed or ready-to-sign contracts
- Collaboration with EU initiatives (Green Deal, Chips for Europe)
- Stakeholder-driven fundraising and networking activities
A CIRCULAR MODEL FOR EUROPE
Driving Circular Economy Innovation
By integrating technology, industry, and regional ecosystems, EVEN CLOSER contributes to the transition toward a circular economy in the semiconductor sector.
The project provides a framework that can be replicated across Europe, supporting long-term sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
