Microsoft invests in Cyclic Materials to recycle rare earth elements

E-waste is a growing problem, with millions of hard drives being thrown away each year, often without recovering the valuable rare earth elements. Microsoft has recognized the problem and is taking action by investing in Cyclic Materials, a company that has developed groundbreaking technology for recycling rare earth elements.

Points of interest:

Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund invests in cyclical materials.
Cyclic Materials has developed the patent-pending CC360 technology for recovering rare earth metals from hard drives.
With CC360, IT asset disposal companies can separate hard drives to recover rare earth metals.
Cyclic Materials technology provides environmental benefits compared to traditional mining.
The investment supports Microsoft’s goal of achieving zero waste by 2030.
Cyclic Materials recently opened its “Hub100” facility in Kingston.
Partnering with Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS) to test CC360 technology.

Development of Rare Earth Recycling

Cyclic Materials has developed a patent-pending technology called CC360 that solves the problem of recovering rare earth elements from hard drives that have reached the end of their useful life. Traditionally, hard drives are sent to IT asset disposal (ITAD) companies for data destruction and metal recovery, but the rare earth elements are not typically recovered. CC360 technology allows ITAD companies to separate a portion of hard drives specifically for rare earth element recovery, while the remaining drives go through the traditional disposal process. This innovation unlocks an additional value stream from hard drive disposal.

Benefits for the environment and economy

Founded in 2021, Cyclic Materials is at the forefront of developing technologies that transform end-of-life products into valuable raw materials in an economical and sustainable manner. Recycling rare earth elements offers significant environmental benefits over traditional mining processes, including a reduced carbon footprint and reduced water consumption. Cyclic Materials’ new “Hub100” facility in Kingston leverages its patented REEPure hydrometallurgical technology to meet the growing demand for domestic sources of mixed rare earth oxides (MREO) in North America.

Below you will find a selection of other articles from our extensive library of content that may be of interest to you on the topic of recycling:

Microsoft’s commitment to sustainability

Microsoft’s investment in Cyclic Materials is part of the company’s broader strategy to achieve zero waste across its operations, products, and packaging by 2030. Brandon Middaugh, Senior Director of Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable supply of rare earth elements as demand continues to grow. This investment aligns with Microsoft’s goal to adopt a circular economy approach.

Partnership with Sims Lifecycle Services

Cyclic Materials is partnering with Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS) to test the CC360 technology. Sean Magann, Chief Commercial Officer at SLS, highlighted the efficiency improvements achieved through the development, noting that the technology enables the recovery of critical rare earth elements while maintaining data security. Additionally, the CC360 technology helps reduce the problem of magnets clogging shredders during the disposal process. SLS plans to implement the technology into its operations.

Future perspectives

Ahmad Ghahreman, co-founder and CEO of Cyclic Materials, expressed his enthusiasm for the support from Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund. This support will accelerate the deployment of Cyclic Materials’ commercial facilities, which is key to increasing the domestic supply of rare earth elements in North America. The collaboration with SLS also played a key role in validating the CC360 technology, which is expected to be invaluable to large data center operators like Microsoft as they work toward achieving their sustainability goals.

Wider implications

The investment in Cyclic Materials underscores the growing importance of rare earth recycling in the context of the circular economy. As technology companies and other industries continue to seek sustainable solutions, the development and implementation of innovative recycling technologies will play a key role. This initiative not only supports environmental sustainability, but also increases the economic viability of rare earth recycling.

Readers interested in related topics may be interested in exploring advances in other areas of recycling technology, sustainable supply chains, and the broader impact of circular economy practices across industries. Understanding how different sectors are adapting to these changes can provide valuable insights into the future of sustainability.

Filed under: Technology News

Geeky Gadgets Latest Deals

Disclosure: Some of our articles contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about our Disclosure Policy.