Research collaboration for closing material cycles
The Swiss company Selfrag AG, based in Kerzers, and the University of Applied Sciences FHNW are launching a long-term research and service collaboration with the aim of advancing the recycling of mineral and metallic waste, reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal and thus significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
At Selfrag, one of the principles is: "We only have one planet, we are committed to contributing to its preservation." Under this motto, the company has become a leader in the industrialization of systems for the recovery of solids by means of electrodynamic fragmentation. In this process, mixed materials such as electronic scrap, slag or rock are separated into their individual components by high-voltage pulses. This environmentally friendly method is used, for example, in the cement industry, in mining, and in the processing and recycling of residues from refuse incineration. With its patented technology, the company is able to reduce the volume of municipal solid waste slag by half and return valuable materials such as metals and minerals to the economic cycle. The process makes a substantial contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and helps close the gap to a functioning circular economy.
Further develop potentials
Now Selfrag will further develop the potential of this method in the future as part of a service and research collaboration with the Institute for Biomass and Resource Efficiency at the FHNW University of Applied Sciences. This institute conducts research and development in the fields of alternative fuels, combustion and resource efficiency. It is part of the national competence center for energy research "SCCER Biosweet" and is jointly supported by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). Joint research projects on the material recycling of mineral and metallic waste are planned, according to the statement.
Strengthening the circular economy with research collaboration
"With our technology, valuable raw materials are extracted from waste slag for recycling. In cooperation with the School of Engineering of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland FHNW, we want to further develop this environmentally friendly waste recycling and thus strengthen the circular economy," explains Anton Affentranger, President of the Board of Selfrag. "We accompany companies with our competences in the field of circular economy in the development of a technical innovation until it is ready for the market", explains Petar Mandaliev from the Institute for Biomass and Resource Efficiency FHNW. "Selfrag's sustainable goals coincide with the values of our university."
Sources and further information: Selfrag AG, FHNW
