L-Acoustics announced a strategic investment in a French-based manufacturer of rare earth magnets today.
The professional audio specialist partners with MagREEsource to pioneer a circular economy model through magnet recycling and manufacturing technology.
Now with established exclusive partner rights for European-based rare earth magnets, L-Acoustics is reducing its environmental footprint while diversifying its supply sources for neodymium magnets.
Hervé Guillaume, CEO at L-Acoustics Group, said: “We're proud to support a promising startup whose breakthrough technology has the potential to transform sustainability practices across multiple industries.
“The ability to recycle nearly 100% of magnet materials from diverse sources creates a true circular economy model that can benefit the audio sector and beyond."
The proprietary recycling technology of MagREEsource enables 100% recovery of neodymium magnets from various sources – including loudspeakers, electric vehicle engines and wind turbine generators.
Erick Petit, president and co-founder of MagREEsource, added: “This partnership with L-Acoustics represents a pivotal moment for MagREEsource.
“This collaboration with a global industry leader validates our approach and opens potential opportunities for innovation in the professional audio sector.
“Together, with our circular ‘magnet-to-magnet' model, we're creating a sustainable and sovereign supply chain for rare earth magnets.”
A recycled magnet from MagREEsource produces 91% less carbon dioxide than traditionally manufactured magnets from newly extracted materials.
Additionally, the recycling process uses 86% less water to save approximately 1,187 litres per kilogram of magnet produced.
The new partnership opens possibilities for future recycling initiatives within L-Acoustics' ecosystem, including end-of-life magnet collection hubs and new designs using recycled magnetic materials in future product development.
The current pilot facility of MagREEsource in Noyarey, France, can process 80 tonnes of magnets annually and is set to expand to a full-scale MagFactory by 2028.
