#249 - Ahmad Ghahreman | Cyclic Materials - Revolutionizing Rare Earth Recycling and Sustainable Materials

Rare earth elements are essential to electrification, decarbonization, and modern technology, yet only 1% of these materials are currently recycled globally. Cyclic Materials is changing that.In this episode of Building Better, Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, shares how his company is pioneering rare earth element recycling to create a circular supply chain for critical materials. He discusses the challenges of recycling rare earth elements, the impact on sustainability, and how Cyclic Materials' proprietary technology significantly reduces carbon footprint.The conversation covers the role of rare earth elements in clean energy, the business model behind recycling, and Ahmad’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship. With policies increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals, this episode explores the future of sustainable materials and the innovations driving change.About Building Better:Building Better with Brandon Bartneck focuses on the people, products, and companies creating a better tomorrow, often in the transportation and manufacturing sectors. Previously called the Future of Mobility podcast, the show features real, human conversations exploring what leaders and innovators are doing, why and how they’re doing it, and what we can learn from their experiences. Topics include manufacturing, production, assembly, autonomous driving, electric vehicles, hydrogen and fuel cells, leadership, and more.About Cyclic Materials:Established in 2021, Cyclic Materials is a cleantech company creating a circular supply chain for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical materials for supporting the clean energy transition. Through its innovative technology, the company economically, sustainably, and domestically transforms end-of-life products into valuable raw materials that are essential to the production of electric vehicles, wind turbines, and motors for the electronics we use in our daily lives.In 2023, Cyclic Materials commissioned a commercial demonstration facility of the first stage of its process, MagCycle℠, which recovers rare earth magnets from end-of-life materials. In 2024, the company opened a second commercial demonstration facility in Kingston, Ontario, using its proprietary hydrometallurgical technology, REEPure℠, to produce Mixed Rare Earth Oxide. As global demand for REEs continues to rise, Cyclic Materials is scaling its technology across North America, Europe, and Asia.Key Takeaways: Cyclic Materials focuses on recycling rare earth elements to build a circular supply chain. Only 1% of rare earth elements are currently recycled globally. Electrification and decarbonization are driving the demand for rare earth elements. Cyclic Materials' technology reduces carbon footprint by 63%. The company operates on a spoke-and-hub model for recycling. Rare earth magnets are found in various products, including electronics and vehicles. Collection schemes for recycling are essential for material flow. The recycling industry is evolving to include critical metals. Cyclic Materials aims to provide cleaner, more sustainable materials. Policies are increasingly mandating the recycling of critical metals.About the Guest:Ahmad Ghahreman is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in cleantech and one of the world’s top hydrometallurgists. He has co-invented more than 20 patents and commercialized multiple technologies, focusing on transforming the rare earth elements market with sustainable, ethical solutions.Links & Resources: Learn more about Cyclic Materials: Company Website Connect with Ahmad Ghahreman: LinkedIn Show Notes: brandonbartneck.com/buildingbetter/ahmadghahremanConnect with Building Better:Follow the podcast for more inspiring conversations: Apple Podcasts Spotify Google Podcasts