EP 49: E-Waste, Microfactories & Circular Plastics Innovation with James Lancaster of Renew IT

In this episode of All Things Circular, hosts Rich Bulger and Victoria D’Arcy sit down with James Lancaster, CEO and founder of Renew IT, to explore one of the most overlooked challenges in the circular economy: what happens to the plastics inside our electronic waste.James shares the story behind Renew IT, an Australia-based company that began processing returned IT equipment, laptops, servers, hard drives, and networking gear and has since evolved into a circular innovation platform focused on extracting new value from e-waste materials.At the center of the conversation is Renew IT’s groundbreaking microfactory model, developed in partnership with the University of New South Wales. These microfactories convert waste ABS plastics from electronics into high-quality 3D printing filament, transforming discarded materials from printers, monitors, and servers into usable manufacturing inputs. Instead of creating more virgin plastic, the technology focuses on repurposing the valuable materials that already exist in the global waste stream.The episode dives into the scale of the plastic problem and the opportunity that comes with solving it. With massive volumes of e-waste plastics currently ending up in landfills and oceans, Renew IT’s approach demonstrates how localized circular manufacturing can create new products, new revenue streams, and new jobs while keeping valuable materials in circulation.Rich, Vic, and James also explore the role universities and research institutions can play in advancing the circular economy. Through hands-on collaboration with students, research labs, and STEM education programs, Renew IT is helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world commercialization, turning sustainability ideas into scalable industry solutions.The conversation also tackles a persistent myth around sustainability and innovation: that research and development is simply a cost center. James argues that when done correctly, R&D is one of the most powerful investments companies can make, unlocking entirely new markets and business models in the circular economy.Whether you're working in reverse logistics, sustainability, manufacturing, or resale, this episode offers a fascinating look at how waste materials can become the feedstock for the next generation of circular products and why the future of manufacturing may be smaller, smarter, and far more circular.Visit our website to learn more:https://allthingscircular.comConnect with Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-bulger/Connect with Vic: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-d-arcy-aa84b51/Connect with James: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-james-lancaster-6924156/SUBSCRIBE AND FOLLOW ALONG!Our podcast focuses mostly on:Circular Economy, Sustainable Living, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly, Recycling, Zero Waste, Environmentalism, Green Economy, Climate Change, Business Sustainability, Waste Management, Renewable Resources, Eco-Innovation, Supply Chain, Business, Circularity, Environmental Impact, Life Cycle Assessment, Upcycling, Downcycling, Closed Loop System, Sustainable Practices, Resource Recovery, Circular Strategies, Podcast, Alternative Materials, Reverse Logistics, ITAD, Lifecycle Services, Product Sourcing, and more!