E-waste is generated across a wide range of sectors - from household appliances and medical devices to IT, telecommunications, and the aerospace industry. Although e-waste is a rich source of high-value raw materials, it also contains numerous heavy metals and hazardous materials. This makes its management both an opportunity - as a valuable secondary source of metals - and a responsibility, due to its potential as an environmental pollutant.

In 2022, 62 million tonnes of electronic waste was generated. By 2030, that figure is predicted to reach 82 million tonnes. Not only is this a huge number, only 22.3% was documented to have been properly documented and recycled. The low recycling rate leaves £68 billion worth of recoverable natural resources unaccounted for and increases pollution risks to communities worldwide. Alone, £11 billion of gold is embedded in forgotten technology.

By recycling your electronics, you're contributing to a circular economy, extending the life of finite raw materials.

Recycling e-waste is a highly complex process, it contains at least 57 elements from the periodic table, many of which are intricately embedded and difficult to safely extract. 

Among the most established methods is pyrometallurgy, particularly smelting, which applies a high-temperature process used to separate metals. While efficient, the process is also highly energy-intensive and raises concerns over harmful emissions produced during incineration. However, accredited experts NOx and SOx fumes are eliminated by chemical treatment equipment connected to stand-alone pre-scrubbers.

In contract, bioleaching offers a more sustainable approach, using naturally occurring microorganisms to extract metals like gold from circuit boards. It’s a closed loop solution that avoids high-temperature and the use of harmful chemicals and acids to recover base metals. Though slower than traditional methods, bioleaching offers a gentler, lower-impact approach and is gaining interest for its potential in greener circular recovery systems.

As early as 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt, gold has been seen as a symbol of wealth and used in early forms of trade and financial exchange. Today, gold extends far beyond traditional roles.

Jewellery: Recycled gold can be refined and reused to create timeless, responsibly sourced fine jewellery - such as Incador's creations made entirely using gold from reclaimed electronics.

Consumer Electronics: Gold is a dependable, corrosion-resistant and highly-efficient conductor and connector, and it does not corrode making it perfect for use in circuitry. Gold is also often used in smartphones, laptops and tablets.

Dentistry, Medical Devices: Due to its biocompatibility, gold is used in pacemakers, diagnostic tools, and other advanced health technologies. Additionally, it is chemically inert, easy to insert and non-allergenic in nature and therefore highly suitable for fillings, crowns, bridges and orthodontic appliances. The gold used in dentistry is predominantly white gold, usually 15 karat or higher, or a gold alloy.

Aerospace & Aviation: Gold’s durability and heat resistance make it essential in satellite systems, aircraft electronics and space tech. Gold is used to lubricate various mechanical parts, in circuitry to conduct electricity and to coat the insides of spacecraft to protect people inside from infrared radiation and heat.