"We will continue to work
on a circular economy in 2020”

Recupel is making further inroads with its artificial intelligence project. We are refining the algorithm to better recognise types of appliances. We are also researching how we can use artificial intelligence to identify brand names or logos on appliances.

In 2020, reuse is an important focal point. We are running various pilot projects in close collaboration with Herwin and Ressources to get more reusable appliances into the recycling loop in a qualitative way. For example, to prevent repairable appliances from being damaged in the recycling park, we are starting a pilot project with a recycling container in which consumers can place appliances that may be repairable.

Partnerships are the key to success, as they increase the impact. That is why we are keen to establish smart partnerships to put the circular economy into practice. For instance, in 2020, we will be working with Belgian Scrap Terminal and the artist Alessandro Tardioli. Together with secondary school students, Tardioli will build the cultural-historical Gyronef (known from the adventures of Spike and Suzy) using recycled materials and end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment. The overall project is called W.A.S.T.E. (Will Art Save The Ecosystem?). Apart from the Gyronef, this project focuses on educating and raising awareness among young people about urban mining and the circular economy.

The transport in the different stages of our chain has a negative impact on our carbon footprint. That is why we are trying to limit our mileage. Furthermore, in 2020, we have started a pilot project with the Flanders Institute for Logistics so that, in the future, containers with end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment can be transported by inland waterways.

Old and broken power tools also contain a lot of valuable material. That is why we are launching an awareness-raising campaign in 2020 to call on everyone to collect such tools as well.

Using some fresh injections of creativity, we will be continuing our campaigns about missing fridges and collecting light bulbs and fittings.