10 Apr 2025
PNO Innovation Belgium, contributing to the first sustainable and complete European REEs-recycling value chain at industrial scale
PNO Innovation Belgium has a track record in initiating and supporting the development of innovative initiatives related to the broader topic of Critical Raw Materials (CRM). PNO was involved from the inception phase of the REEPRODUCE project and worked with key partners to establish an industrially oriented project covering the whole value chain.
The main target of REEPRODUCE is to set up the first sustainable and complete European REEs-recycling value chain at industrial scale able to produce REEs from end-of-life (EoL) products at competitive cost and with environmentally friendly technologies. This is in line with our commitment at PNO to support various stakeholders elaborating innovative solutions to tackle the challenges that the industrial sector in Europe is facing to achieve independence and security of supply of strategic raw materials. Furthermore, our proficiency in communication, dissemination and exploitation activities enabled us to confidently take the lead in establishing and executing a strategic plan for identifying and
engaging with key stakeholders in the circular economy sector, and support research organisations to bring their results closer to the market.
But how does PNO support the successful transition of the REEPRODUCE technologies to the market?
In today’s fast-paced technological landscape, bridging the gap between research and commercialisation is critical for maximising the impact of groundbreaking innovations. PNO is ensuring the transition of technologies developed in REEPRODUCE from research organisations (RTOs) to industry players, including large enterprises (LEs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Here’s how we make it happen:
- Unlocking market potential
PNO consultants identify and refine Key Exploitable Results (KERs), conduct business analyses to define value propositions, assess barriers, and evaluate techno-economic risks.
- Strategic exploitation planning
Based on our findings, we developed tailored strategies to maximise technology transfer, ensuring innovations move from research to real-world industry adoption.
- Market & Stakeholder engagement
Understanding the market landscape is key. We analyse industry trends, map stakeholders across the value chain, and create connections to drive commercial opportunities.
- Intellectual Property and Data management
PNO consultants work closely with the REEPRODUCE partners to protect innovations, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimising commercialisation potential.
- From Technology to Business
Our team helps partners transform technical advancements into viable business models through SWOT and techno-economic analyses, strategic roadmaps, and replication scenarios.
- Attracting Investment & Scaling Up
PNO supports partners in securing EU funding, facilitating spin-off creation, and developing investment strategies to accelerate market adoption.
Additionally, effective communication and dissemination are crucial for ensuring that the project’s results reach the right audience, including industry leaders, policymakers, and the general public. We develop tailored communication and dissemination strategies, leveraging digital and traditional media, scientific publications, and events to maximise visibility. With our work, we engage with key stakeholders and help amplify the project’s impact and foster a strong innovation ecosystem.
To sum up, PNO’s role in REEPRODUCE goes beyond traditional consultancy—by aligning innovation with Europe’s priorities. By driving the transition of these technologies into industrial use, we help strengthen Europe’s autonomy in critical raw materials supporting a more resilient, sustainable and competitive support.