CRUSADE Project Takes Off

In a momentous event, Monolithos, the coordinator of the Crusade project, proudly hosted the Kick-off meeting in Athens on January 17th and 18th. This marks the beginning of a groundbreaking initiative set to redefine the future of sustainability in Europe. Funded by Horizon Europe, Crusade commenced in January 2024 and is slated to span over four years.

Summary

• Monolithos hosts Kickoff meeting in Athens, initiating Horizon Europe-funded project to convert end-of-life auto parts into sustainable EU resources.
• Crusade utilizes advanced sorting and hydrometallurgical methods to transform automotive components, prioritizing raw material recovery, CO2 reduction, and Industry 4.0 integration.
• Crusade consortium of 19 entities from 8 countries fosters partnerships to drive innovation and sustainability, expressing gratitude to partners and project officers for contributions.

Crusade stands as a beacon of innovation, aiming to revolutionize the utilization of end-of-life automotive components, turning them into a sustainable source of market-grade materials for EU applications. Employing state-of-the-art digital sorting techniques and a near-zero waste hydrometallurgical method, Crusade breathes new life into components such as autocatalysts, fuel cells, batteries, and printed circuit boards. The project prioritizes the recovery of critical raw materials while actively reducing CO2 emissions, integrating automated processes with industrial robots and artificial intelligence. Aligned with the Industry 4.0 concept, Crusade endeavors to deliver high-spec materials at lower prices, thereby promoting a sustainable and cost-efficient future.

The Kickoff Meeting served as a pivotal moment for partners to delve deeper into each other’s activities and roles within the Crusade project. It provided an invaluable opportunity for Crusade colleagues to explore Monolithos facilities, experiencing firsthand our laboratories and innovative technologies. The Crusade consortium comprises 19 entities from 8 countries, encompassing five R&D providers-RTOs and Academia, seven large industrial partners-LEs, and seven technology developers/engineering SMEs. This diverse coalition brings together a wealth of expertise and resources to drive the project forward.

As we embark on this journey, we anticipate a fruitful and collaborative endeavor, propelled by innovation, sustainability, and the collective efforts of our esteemed partners. In the wake of the Crusade project’s inception, the automotive industry is poised for a transformation, where sustainability and innovation converge to shape a brighter, more resilient future for generations to come.