E-Waste

The digitalization of our everyday lives has a dark side: millions of tonnes of electronic waste are generated worldwide every year – from smartphones and laptops to televisions, household appliances and industrial electronics. What is often perceived as “waste” is in fact a valuable source of raw materials. Many devices contain precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum and palladium, but also strategically important elements such as copper, tantalum and rare earths. Their recovery is essential – both from an ecological and economic point of view.

From Scrap to Resource

The efficient recycling of these valuable materials begins with the precise analytical characterization of the starting material. This is where the know-how of the Institute for Materials Testing Glörfeld GmbH (IMG) comes into play. With over 45 years of experience in elemental analysis, IMG offers reliable analyses for all fractions of electronic waste – from circuit boards and contact materials to slag and ash from recycling processes.

High-Precision Analysis

The precise determination of the metals contained is the basis for any economically viable recycling strategy. The IMG relies on a broad portfolio of methods:

• Fire Assay (Cupellation) provides precise results for precious metals, even in complex and heterogeneous samples.
• X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) delivers a rapid, non-destructive overview of major elements.
• ICP-OES enables accurate quantification of medium to high metal concentrations.
• ICP-MS detects even trace elements – essential for high-value electronic waste.
• In addition, if required, particularly difficult matrices can be analyzed using glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS).

Responsibility for People and the Environment

Professional handling of electronic waste not only protects natural resources but also prevents the release of hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, or brominated flame retardants. Through precise chemical analysis, the IMG makes a significant contribution to making recycling processes efficient, environmentally friendly and transparent.