In September 2025, eight kilogrammes of recycled neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) powder, supplied by the University of Birmingham, was processed by Kolektor Mobility an engineering firm in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The team established a stable compounding and injection moulding process, including optimised parameters and an overflow sprue solution to ensure consistent quality.
Using this process, 50 magnets were produced for a demonstrator developed by COPRECI, a domestic appliance manufacturer based in Gipuzkoa, Spain.
The magnets underwent a series of validation steps, including dimensional analysis and CT inspection, as well as magnetisation and magnetic field mapping. Key magnetic propertieswere evaluated against application requirements.
Following characterisation, the magnets were delivered to COPRECI for integration. Additional samples have been prepared for mechanical and durability testing at the applied research organisation Fraunhofer LBF in Darmstadt, Germany.
This milestone shows that recycled rare earth materials can be processed into functional magnet components using industrially relevant methods. It marks an important step toward developing circular value chains for permanent magnets, which are widely used in applications such as electric motors, household appliances, and renewable energy systems.
"This milestone shows that recycled rare earth materials can be transformed into functional magnet components using industrially relevant processes," said Ana Drmota Petrič from Kolektor. "It is an important step toward building circular value chains for permanent magnets in Europe."
Rare earth magnets are essential for modern technologies, but recycling rates remain low. By advancing practical recycling and manufacturing routes, HARMONY aims to reduce dependence on primary raw materials and create a more resilient supply chains in Europe.
