Global Electronics Recycling Leaders Will Gather for IERC 2026 in Valencia

The International Electronics Reuse and Recycling Congress (IERC) is set to take place January 21–23 in Valencia, Spain, marking the first time the event will be hosted in the Spanish city, according to reporting from ICM AG, the Switzerland-based organizer. The congress will convene global industry stakeholders to examine trends, innovations, and ongoing challenges in electronics reuse and recycling.

The IERC, held annually, has grown into a key forum for manufacturers, recyclers, and policymakers to address the environmental and economic pressures shaping the electronics sector. Analysts note that the event comes amid rising regulatory focus on e-waste management and increasing corporate commitments to circular economy practices. Over the past decade, electronics recycling conferences have expanded both in scale and influence, reflecting the sector’s urgent need to manage surging volumes of end-of-life devices.

Opening remarks will be delivered by Vicente Martinez Mus, vice-president of the Valencian regional government. Brian Markwalter of the U.S. Consumer Technology Association will deliver the keynote, highlighting emerging trends in consumer electronics and their implications for global recycling strategies. Over two days, the congress will feature discussions on technological innovation, market developments, and the hurdles faced by recyclers and manufacturers worldwide.

The congress will feature presentations and participation from consulting firm Analistas Financieros Internacionales (AFI), electronics recyclers including Sims Lifecycle Solutions, Galloo Group, TSR, and Umicore, as well as technology giants such as Apple, Google, Lenovo, HP, and Logitech. The exhibition hall will host business meetings, live demonstrations, and technical presentations, offering attendees an interactive platform to explore new solutions. ICM AG reports that more than 15 companies are confirmed as exhibitors, with registration details available on the official IERC website.

Optional plant tours will provide attendees with on-the-ground insights into local operations, including visits to Ilunion’s refrigerator recycling facility and the Sophia photovoltaic panel plant in Valencia. Industry observers highlight that such visits can help bridge gaps between policy ambitions, technological capability, and operational realities.

Looking ahead, IERC 2026 is expected to further solidify its role as a central hub for the electronics recycling community. Analysts suggest the discussions and partnerships formed in Valencia could influence regulatory approaches and accelerate the adoption of circular business models in Europe and beyond.

Source: ICM AG

SUNSHINE Spotlight: IERC 2026 will bring global electronics recycling leaders to Valencia, spotlighting innovations, policy challenges, and market trends shaping the sector.