ReLife4PCBA: a European initiative to rejuvenate electronics and advance the circular economy

In a global context marked by soaring volumes of e‑waste and a pressing need to reduce reliance on critical raw materials, the ReLife4PCBA project offers an innovative, strategic, and practical solution.

With reference number 101212853 – LIFE24‑ENV‑IT‑RELIFE4PCBA, the initiative is funded through the European Commission’s LIFE programme. It has secured €1.1 million in non‑repayable grants, within a total project budget of €1.9 million.

Led by FAE Technology S.p.A., a certified benefit corporation listed on Euronext Growth Milan, ReLife4PCBA officially launched on 26 June 2025 at the company’s headquarters in Gazzaniga (BG) and is scheduled to conclude by 31 May 2028. It is Italy’s first structured approach combining digital technologies and production assets for advanced regeneration of electronic circuit boards.

Vision and objectives

ReLife4PCBA is built around a twofold goal: first, to extend the lifespan of circuit boards via certified refurbishment; second, when repair is not feasible, to recover precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper—thus minimizing environmental impact and supporting sustainable sourcing of critical materials.

The project fosters a circular, interconnected model designed to strengthen the capabilities of Italian SMEs in the realms of circular economy, traceability, and digital process management.

Project partners: a Bergamo-based network driving sustainable innovation

Alongside FAE Technology, three Bergamo-based firms contribute to the project:

• We at Daze: specializing in EV charging solutions and energy efficiency;

• Socaf: manufacturer of cleaning machinery, acting as end-user for real-world testing;

• Ecomet Refining S.p.A.: expert in recovering and refining precious metals and critical raw materials from industrial and e‑waste.
  
  

These organizations share a mutual vision of sustainability and supply-chain innovation, collaborating to develop a scalable, replicable solution across Europe.

“Joining ReLife4PCBA was a natural step in our journey toward truly sustainable electrification. We believe innovation must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Thus, contributing to a virtuous system for recovering and regenerating circuit boards represents a strategic opportunity. This project reinforces our circular product vision and highlights the potential of local cooperation among companies united by concrete impact goals.”
— Giacomo Zenoni, Co‑CEO & Co‑founder of Daze

Two integrated workstreams: software and manufacturing

1. Digital platform

A smart refurbishment platform will be developed to track every phase of a board’s lifecycle in real time, including:

• fault detection;

• on-site interventions;

• management by support and quality teams;

• controlled disposal of unrecoverable boards.
  
  
  

• The platform will also deliver environmental and ESG indicators, enhancing transparency and sustainability.

2. Manufacturing infrastructure

FAE Technology will invest approximately €400,000 to upgrade its electronic refurbishment capacity. The investment includes:

• manual rework stations;

• automated machinery for repair and testing;

• quality assurance tools for regenerated products.
  
  
  

• This digital‑physical system will enable full lifecycle control and guarantee high quality standards.

A circular model supporting SMEs

One of the most innovative features of ReLife4PCBA is its aim to provide Italian SMEs with a practical, accessible solution to tackle e‑waste. Through internal certification, quality testing, and digital traceability, refurbished boards can re-enter the market with guarantees equivalent to new products.

When recovery is not possible, extracting critical materials from the circuit boards still ensures environmental and economic value recovery.

Expected outcomes

Over its three-year lifetime and with European support, ReLife4PCBA aims to:

• reduce the generation of electronic waste;

• improve the lifecycle efficiency of electronic equipment;

• foster collaboration among regional tech firms;

• create a replicable standard across Europe.
  
  
  

With €1.1 million in funding from the European Commission and the shared vision of its partners, ReLife4PCBA stands as a concrete example of sustainable industrial innovation, positioning Italy as a pioneer in electronic board regeneration. A significant step toward a more circular, digital economy.

Contacts
FAE Technology S.p.A. – Benefit Corporation
Innovation Manager: Manuel Lobati, m.lobati@fae.technology

Daze
Social Media Manager: Elisa Chemi, elisa.chemi@daze.eu