Why is rare-earth recycling crucial for cleantech growth?

 title: '6 startups cleaning up the supply chain of rare earth metals -'

Rare-earth recycling is essential for the growth of clean technology due to its potential to mitigate supply risks associated with magnets, batteries, and wind turbines. These components rely heavily on rare earth elements (REEs), which face supply chain vulnerabilities, particularly since China controls a significant portion of the market. Geopolitical tensions could further jeopardize access to these critical materials, making closed-loop recycling systems crucial for maintaining supply resilience and reducing dependency on foreign sources[1][6].

Emerging startups, like Noveon Magnetics and RarEarth, are pioneering innovative recycling methods that enhance resource circularity. These technologies can recover valuable REEs from electronic waste and produce high-quality recycled magnets with significantly lower environmental impact, supporting sustainable practices in industries reliant on clean technology[4][5].