Following the success of its first student competition in late 2025, REEsilience has launched its second Design for Recycling Challenge, once again engaging students from Pforzheim University. This edition brought together participants from the Master of Life Cycle and Sustainability (MLiCS) programme, in collaboration with Professor Tobias Viere of the Institute for Industrial Ecology (INEC).
Building on the strong foundation of the initial challenge with the Master of Product Development (MPE), the latest edition once again demonstrated the creativity, technical understanding, and commitment of students tackling complex sustainability issues.
At the core of the challenge lies the question of how to make rare earth permanent magnets (REPM), such as NdFeB, more sustainable. These magnets are essential components in technologies driving Europe’s green and digital transition, from smartphones to wind turbines. However, their environmental benefits are offset by the significant impacts of rare earth mining and the continued reliance on concentrated global supply chains.
To address these challenges, the REEsilience project promotes the concept of Design for Recycling—an approach that integrates environmental considerations and material recovery into product design. This builds on ongoing research efforts, including the work of Laura Grau from project partner Pforzheim University, who has been instrumental in advancing methodologies for improving the recyclability of NdFeB-based systems.
The two-day challenge was embedded within the life cycle assessment module of the MLiCS programme. Students evaluated product systems across their entire life cycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling—while working under tight time constraints. Teams were required to decide whether to conduct in-depth analyses of specific components or to assess simplified full lifecycle scenarios.
Key questions explored during the challenge included comparisons between NdFeB magnets, ferrites, and magnet-free alternatives; the environmental impacts of different magnet fixation methods such as adhesives, press fits, and mechanical solutions; and strategies to improve magnet performance, including segmentation and the use of heavy rare earth elements.
The outcomes highlighted the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, showing that even participants outside the immediate magnet research field can quickly grasp and contribute to complex material sustainability challenges.
The REEsilience team praised the high level of engagement and performance of the students and acknowledged the role of academic mentors, including Tobias Viere and Werner Engeln, in fostering talent within their respective programmes.
With growing interest in sustainable materials and circular design, initiatives like the REEsilience Design for Recycling Challenge continue to play a key role in preparing the next generation of experts.