Impacts of Brominated Flame Retardants on the Recycling of WEEE Plastics

Electronic and electrical equipment uses plastics to make products lighter, more innovative, and cost effective. Plastic components are inherently combustible and need to be protected from ignition. Brominated Flame Retardants are often used in plastics to meet fire safety standards and protect consumers from accidental fires. Brominated Flame Retardants are the most efficient group of chemistries as they can be used across many plastics, offering a high degree of performance, and choices for design.

The presentation will addresses misperceptions regarding the impact of Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) on WEEE plastics recycling and presents the successes and overarching challenges in making WEEE plastic streams more circular. The report contains important recommendations for policymakers, electrical and electronic equipment producers and recyclers.