Mitsubishi Corp. (MC; Tokyo) has agreed to acquire shares in e-scrap recycling company DEScycle Ltd. (Headquarters: UK), which has developed a proprietary technology for metal recovery from e-scrap. The two companies will also enter into a strategic business partnership to foster collaboration.
E-scrap contains valuable materials, such as copper and precious metals, and its value as a resource has grown in recent years. With the continued integration of AI, the rapid expansion of data centers is expected to increase the volume of e-scrap. However, due to the challenges of achieving clean and cost-effective recycling, a large portion of e-scrap is still disposed of in landfills, raising serious environmental concerns.
E-scrap from an end-of-life printed circuitboard (Surce: Mitsubishi)
DEScycle’s proprietary technology uses deep eutectic solvents to selectively dissolve metals at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, and is expected recover metals with significantly lower energy consumption and environmental impact compared to conventional smelting methods.
The funds raised by DEScycle will support the construction and operation of a pilot plant in the U.K. Following the demonstration phase, a commercial-scale plant with an annual processing capacity of approximately 5,000 tons is scheduled to begin operations in the UK in 2028, with plans to further expand to North America, Japan, and other regions.
MC will leverage its trading expertise and industry network to undertake marketing activities for metal products such as copper and precious metals derived from e-scrap using DEScycle’s technology. Additionally, MC will utilize its investment expertise to explore the expansion of the business together with DEScycle, aiming to contribute to the realization of a circular economy.