Recycling rare earth elements for real impact
From Talk innovation: unlocking technology by European Patent Office
January 20, 2026 · 35 min · Season 6 · Episode 17
About this episode
Marie Perrin discusses her innovative method for recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste and the importance of sustainability.
Driven by a lifelong passion for science and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Marie Perrin discovered an innovative method for recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste. In this episode the winner of the World Builders Prize at the Young Inventors Prize 2025 shares her journey from doctoral researcher at ETH Zurich to co-founder of pioneering startup REEcover. Marie and host Ed Cooke discuss the environmental challenges of rare earth mining, the technical breakthroughs behind her process and how her invention transforms electronic waste into a valuable resource, reducing chemical waste and energy use. Marie also reflects on the importance of innovation in the circular economy, the powerful influence of role models and the steep learning curve for scientists turned entrepreneurs. Host: Ed Cooke, EPO examiner Guests: Marie Perrin, Chemist and REEcover co-founder More information: Marie Perrin’s profile on epo.org
People in this episode
Host: Ed Cooke
Guest: Marie Perrin
Topics covered
- recycling
- rare earth elements
- electronic waste
- environmental sustainability
- circular economy
- innovation
Keywords
- rare earth elements
- recycling
- electronic waste
- sustainability
- innovation
- circular economy
- REEcover
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ETH Zurich, REEcover, European Patent Office
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