On 18 March, Global Recycling Day, international attention turns to the role of recycling and circularity in building a more resource-efficient and resilient economy. In SUPERLASER, sustainability is embedded from the very beginning, with a dedicated Work Package on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) ensuring that environmental impacts are evaluated across the entire lifespan of the technology. To mark this important day, we spoke with Professor Rosario Vidal (Universitat Jaume I), who leads the project’s LCA activities. Her work ensures that SUPERLASER does not only push the boundaries of advanced laser technology, but also aligns with European priorities on circular economy, resource efficiency, and reduced dependency on critical raw materials. In this interview, Professor Vidal explains how lifecycle thinking helps us assess environmental impacts from raw material extraction to end-of-life, how recyclability and material choices influence sustainability performance, and why responsible innovation is essential for the future of photonics and advanced electronics.
What is a life cycle analysis?
Life Cycle Assessment or LCA is a way to measure the environmental footprint of products and services by looking at every single stage of their life. This means we do not just look at the finished product. We consider how raw materials are extracted, how the product is manufactured, what it consumes while you use it, and how it is transported. Finally, we look at what happens when it is no longer useful, whether it can be recycled, reused, or if it must be disposed of. For example, by using this method, we can compare different light bulbs like LEDs, halogens, or incandescent and rank them based on which one is truly better for the planet.
What does it have to do with recycling and sustainability?
Recycling is a powerful tool for reducing the environmental impact of the materials we use. One of the smartest design strategies is simply increasing the amount of recycled content in new products. When it comes to critical raw materials, which are those that faces a significant risk of supply disruption, recycling is also a matter of security for our supply chains. For non-renewable resources like minerals or petroleum-based materials, recycling is a responsibility. These resources are finite and we must manage them carefully to ensure a sustainable future. Why is it important to include this in the development of new materials from the start? The best time to reduce environmental impact is during the design phase instead of waiting until a product is already on store shelves or in the trash can. While researchers aim to create innovative materials and devices, if we do not solve issues like hazardous, criticality, high costs, or heavy environmental footprints early on, those technologies will never make it to the real world. Designing for sustainability from day one is what allows a new invention to actually become a successful commercial product.
What exactly do you do in SUPERLASER?
My role is to work alongside the other SUPERLASER partners to ensure that the next generation of lasers, which use a special material called halide perovskite, are more affordable and energy efficient. We want these lasers to have a smaller environmental footprint and to rely less on critical materials.
Is it possible to recycle all parts of a product like a laser?
We have made great progress in recycling more materials and more efficiently. For common items like metals, paper, and glass, recycling is a very sustainable choice. However, we are not there yet for everything. Recycling certain materials used in lasers is still highly expensive and can even harm the environment. Those cases where recycling is not yet a sustainable option, the best approach is responsible disposal.
How can people contribute to this on a daily basis?
I always like to highlight the power and responsibility each of us has in creating a more sustainable world. When I see European statistics showing that urban waste recycling is improving year after year, it makes me proud of our society. We can and should do even more, but seeing that positive trend reminds me that our daily habits really do make a difference.