Quebec-based GreeNovel Inc. has built a demonstration plant where it can recycle e-waste plastics contaminated with hazardous substances such as brominated flame retardants, lead, and cadmium, by using advanced microwave irradiation technology.
GreeNovel officials say they can extract more than 65 metals and elements sustainably at the Centre d’innovation et de technologies industrielles de Granby (CITIG), where they are capable of processing some two million pounds of e-waste each year. Microwave irradiation technology transforms non-recyclable and hazardous e-waste plastics into valuable materials, significantly reducing environmental risks such as soil contamination and water and air pollution, the company says.
“GreeNovel offers an innovative closed-loop technology that addresses the challenges of e-waste recycling,” the company states. “This technology is designed not only for e-waste recycling but also to extract important chemicals from e-waste, including phenols, mercuric chlorides, nitriles, and others, while minimizing hazardous emissions and waste.”
In 2022, global e-waste production exceeded 62 million tons and is projected to rise to 82 million tons by 2030. GreeNovel officials state that more than 80% of this waste is not recycled or disposed of properly. Cables, laptops, tablets, and batteries contain hazardous substances such as lead, mercury and flame retardants within their plastic and metal components.
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GreeNovel also addresses industrial gas emissions through their innovative gas purification technology, achieving high cleaning efficiencies for hazardous compounds and minimizing environmental impacts of gas emissions.
Through the support of the incubation strategic program of Granby Industrial, GreeNovel has also secured 75,000 square feet of land for a full-capacity plant capable of handling more than 100 million pounds of e-waste per year.
GreeNovel’s work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Distinction Desjardins Award in the Industry category, the 2023 ADRIQ Innovation Jeune Enterprise Award, and the 2022 ICIS Innovation Award for Best Process Innovation by Small and Medium Enterprises.
