LIFE PHOENIX-WEEE
Development of an industrial process for upgrading the end-of-life treatment of washing machines through regeneration of spare parts and ready-to-use washing machines
Programma di finanziamento:
LIFE 2021–2027 – Circular Economy and Quality of Life
Abstract
LIFE PHOENIX-WEEE is a European project that addresses one of the most critical challenges in the circular economy: the lack of industrial pathways for the repair and reuse of large household appliances at the end of their life cycle.
In line with the EU Directive 2024/1799 on the “Right to Repair”, the project aims to revolutionize the current system of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) treatment by developing an innovative industrial model that integrates a repair laboratory, a disassembly line, a warehouse, and a granulation unit.
The pilot initiative will be implemented in the province of Bologna, Italy, focusing on washing machines as a case study, managing approximately 55,000 appliances (around 2,964 tonnes).
The project aims to achieve:
- the repair of 10% of appliances collected;
- the preparation for reuse of 18% of the total weight in spare parts;
- and an overall 99% recyclability rate of materials, with a strong increase in plastic recovery (currently only 28%).
In addition to the technological development, LIFE PHOENIX-WEEE will design and test innovative sales and communication models, both physical and online, to promote the market for refurbished large appliances — still marginal in Europe. A pilot test involving the sale of 500 refurbished washing machines will be carried out to demonstrate consumer acceptance and the economic viability of this approach.
The project envisions a fundamental transformation of the current WEEE business model — from indiscriminate dismantling at scrapyards to a circular and value-driven approach, where refurbished products and spare parts gain new functional and economic value (estimated at over +2000% compared to the current scenario).
Through this integrated system, LIFE PHOENIX-WEEE contributes to the European Green Deal and to the transition towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and socially responsible economy, combining technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and behavioural change.
Durata del progetto / Project duration
2025 – 2027 (30 months)
Start date: 1 June 2025
End date: 30 November 2027
Responsabile scientifico
Claudio Tedeschi – DISMECO Srl (Italy)
Responsabile scientifico per il Dipartimento
Dr. Federico Fraboni
Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna
Dipartimento di Psicologia “Renzo Canestrari” (Italy)
Coordinator
DISMECO Srl – Marzabotto (Bologna, Italy)
Partnership
- Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
- UNIEURO S.p.A.
- CNA Servizi Bologna S.c.r.l.
Finanziamento
Total Eligible Budget: 3,446,436 €
EU Contribution: 2,067,861 €
Sito web
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE24-ENV-IT-LIFE-PHOENIX-WEEE-101213028/development-of-an-industrial-process-for-upgrading-the-end-of-life-treatment-of-washing-machines-through-regeneration-of-spare-parts-and-ready-to-use-washing-machines#contact-details