ITAD industry representatives spoke at the ReMA conference in Las Vegas about how AI tools, data center demand and consolidation are changing operations, while certification requirements and trade rules add new challenges.

Panelists at the ReMA conference in Las Vegas said tariffs, reshoring and geopolitical tension are remaking trade flows, lifting US investment and forcing companies to sharpen risk controls.

TOMRA introduced an updated FINDER metal sorting system with modular sensors and AI tools, aiming to improve separation of complex material streams and support evolving recovery operations.

The global lead battery recycling market is projected to grow steadily through 2034, supported by regulation, automotive replacement cycles and rising backup power demand.

DOE and Amazon will study recovery of graphite from textiles and gallium from IT hardware, aiming to strengthen US supply chains and reduce reliance on imported materials.

Tozero has opened a demo plant processing 1,500 metric tons of battery scrap yearly, recovering lithium, graphite and nickel-cobalt to support Europe supply goals.

Rice researchers reported a battery recycling process that uses plasma and mild solvents to recover most metals from black mass while regenerating graphite for reuse.

Trafigura entered the agreement to expand access to recycled critical materials, supporting efforts to build more resilient battery supply chains and scale recovery of valuable inputs.

Paladin has acquired Ireland-based ICT, adding on-site shredding and expanding its European ITAD footprint as it builds out secure in-region services for data center clients.

Secondary copper production rose in January, with scrap-driven gains in China helping push global output higher as exchange inventories surged to multi-decade highs.