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7 0 C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E FA L L 2 0 2 5 » Proposed way forward: A standardized approach to ensuring similar quality for recycled materi- als and components is still required. Your input will determine how such standards will look in the future on a global level. • Economic incentives: The insufficient return on investment in adopting circular practices dis- courages investment. Virgin materials are often cheaper than recycled ones. » Proposed way forward: According to the Clean Industrial Deal, the CEA will introduce incen- tives to promote the use of metal scrap and measures to stimulate demand for secondary materials and circular products. Your input on how this can be achieved in practice is required. • Design for circularity: Existing products are not designed for reusable or repairable disassembly nor optimized for material recovery when life ex- tension is not feasible. » Proposed way forward: Integrate circularity into product roadmaps from the start. • Supply chain coordination and market access: Fragmented supply chains struggle to align ef- forts for effective circularity. Moreover, Europe does not yet have a true Single Market. » Proposed ways forward: • Empower customers to act as suppliers. • Establishing cross-industry partnerships for ma- terials recovery and scaling circularity solutions. • Call for the uptake of EU-wide rules for a functioning EU Single Market. • Awareness and education: Limited understand- ing of circular principles among stakeholders. » Proposed ways forward: • Consult our Circularity Resource Hub 4 for our strategic recommendations. • Engage in timely dialogue and information exchange with industry partners, with us, and, through us, with policy makers, to shape future policies linked to circularity, including the CEA. Why Taking Part in the CEA Consultation Matters The circular economy is seen by policymakers as essen- tial to economic security, competitiveness, resilience, and decarbonization. • Electronics are in the spotlight: New rules will prioritize repairability, recyclability, and extend- ed product lifetimes for devices such as phones, laptops, and displays. • Tackling e-waste: The key pillar of this policy, in- cluding potential fines, will have a massive impact on global electronics manufacturing and distribution. Help Shape the CEA The circular economy is seen by policymakers as essen- tial to economic security, competitiveness, resilience, and decarbonization. This is your chance to contribute to one of Europe's most significant upcoming sustain- ability frameworks. We continue to coordinate feedback on behalf of members. Contact me at DianaRadovan@ electronics.org, by Nov. 6, to share your thoughts. References 1. Circular Economy Act summary, European Union. 2. "The global E-waste Monitor 2024," ITU. 3. "Electronic Waste Rising Five Times Faster than Documented E-waste Recycling: UN," Unitar, United Nations Institute for Training and Research. 4. Circularity Resource Hub, Global Electronics Association. 5. "3 Ways the Electronics Industry Can Transform E-Waste and Boost Sustainability," by Dr. Kelly Scanlon, Design News, Aug. 25, 2025. ▲ S P OT L I G H T The Global Electronics Association has been featuring a series of short video interviews with leaders in the electronics industry about sustain- ability initiatives within their companies. Companies like Northrop Grumman, Flex, Panasonic Connect, TTM, Worthington Assem- bly, KYZEN, Incap Corporation, Koh Young, and several others answered questions about their top sustainability priorities, goals for the coming year, and one aspect of the industry they would change regarding sustainability. Find the short, informative videos on LinkedIn, YouTube, and the Evolve website.