Stena Launches a Unique Process for Recycling LCD Screens

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Sep 22, 2010, 01:59 ET

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, September 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- By the year 2015, it is estimated that the EU's need for the recycling of flat screens will have multiplied to a dizzying 750,000 tonnes per year. The Stena Metall Group is now launching a closed process for handling LCD screens.

"The degree of recycling is high and there are major environmental benefits. Moreover, we are able to move away from manual dismantling," says Staffan Johansson, managing director for GRIAG Glasrecycling, a part of the Stena Metall Group.

In 2008, over 100 million flat screens were sold in Europe. TVs, computer monitors, laptops with LCD, LED or plasma technology have rapidly found a place in European homes. However, there is a lack of recycling processes that are both effective, environmentally sound and that reduce the risks for exposure to mercury for those dismantling the discarded screens.

"We have made great investments in solving the recycling of the rapidly growing mountain of discarded flat screens. We have developed an automated process. The degree of recycling is significantly higher than the requirements that will be set in the future with a tougher WEEE Directive - which states how much of Europe's electronic waste must be recycled," says Staffan Johansson.

In the process, clean fractions of iron, metals, plastics, circuit boards as well as glass with liquid crystal are separated. The closed process is important, not least when it comes to the handling of all the mercury lamps that are a part of an LCD screen.

"It is easy for mercury lamps to break during manual handling; this gives rise to health risks for those carrying out the dismantling. With our sealed and automated process, this risk can be avoided" says Snorre Kolseth, Manager of the R & D department within WEEE, in the Stena Metall Group.

Moreover, traditional dismantling requires large space and is time-consuming.

"Today's recycling of electronics is very much about finding new ways to recycle large quantities of electronic waste quickly, complying with the legislation and with clear environmental and health benefits. Our new process for LCD recycling is a good example of this," says Staffan Johansson.

Press pictures:

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Facts Business Area WEE, the Stena Metall Group

The Stena Metall Group is Europe's leading recycler of electronics and the business was founded in the early 90s. The Business Area WEEE has operations in ten countries: Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Poland, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Romania and Italy. Using the same tried-and-tested and effective processes, Europe's electronic waste is recycled in our facilities. An important objective is to develop the market's leading services for customers, the environment and society.