Eliminating Export, Enhancing Value: Areera & The Royal Mint Reformation Metals

“The Royal Mint has been highly professional throughout our partnership, with excellent communication and a flexible, accommodating approach to both delivery scheduling and increases in material volumes.”  Craig Thompson, CEO, Areera 

Previously reliant on overseas export, Areera now has a metal recovery solution onshore with The Royal Mint. This innovative collaboration reduces costs, improves traceability, and supports both companies’ sustainability goals.

The UK’s Largest Flat Panel Display Recycler 

Areera is the UK’s largest recycler of flat panel displays and display equipment plastics. Using advanced automation, robotics, and x-ray technology, Areera recovers valuable materials such as printed circuit boards (PCBs) from e–waste. Since its inception in 2021, Areera has focused on innovative, non-destructive recycling methods that deliver clean, high-quality feedstock for further processing. 

Challenges

Prior to partnering with The Royal Mint Reformation Metals Areera’s only option was to export PCBs, which are classified as hazardous materials. Without a UK-based precious metals recovery processing option, Areera was compelled to export PCBs to Europe or Japan, facing the following obstacles:  

• Export Burden & Administration Overhead: 

Exporting PCBs internationally required Areera to complete annual permit applications, prepare extensive export documentation, and manage complex insurance and compliance paperwork. These tasks added considerable administrative workload to the company’s operations.  

• High Transportation & Compliance Costs: 

Areera faced high transportation expenses as a result of offshoring its PCB processing. In addition, the administrative and compliance documentation significantly increased operational costs. 

• Lack of Local Processing & Traceability: 

Processing overseas reduced Areera’s visibility into material recovery outcomes and weakened reporting transparency.  

Why Areera Chose The Royal Mint Reformation Metals

The Royal Mint’s announcement of a UK-based facility for precious metals recovery in 2021 caught Areera’s attention immediately. As both companies were launching innovative solutions that same year, it was clear that a collaboration could be mutually beneficial.  

Key benefits of working with The Royal Mint included: 

• Domestic processing—eliminating the need for exports   

• Onshore recovery, keeping valuable materials within the UK 

• Long-term partnership potential 

• Trusted UK-government-backed partner 

• Easy onboarding and prompt, reliable payments 

• Strong alignment with Areera’s sustainability and traceability goals 

Professionalism in Partnership

From the outset, Areera worked closely with The Royal Mint, even before their Reformation Metals’ plant was commissioned. Collaboration began with testing sample feedstock and refining material specifications to meet The Royal Mints’s processing requirements. The Royal Mint Reformation Metals receives regular shipments of PCBs from Areera for in-country processing and precious metal recovery. 

Since starting in 2023, they have sent 795.242 tonnes of circuit boards, 2025 around 50 tonnes per month circa. 15% of the feedstock The Royal Mint Reformation Metals process. 

Key elements of the partnership include coordinated delivery schedules, open and transparent communication, the sharing of technical data to support downstream audits, and collaborative problem-solving during the commissioning phase. 

Key Results

The partnership thrives on shared values: innovation, professionalism, sustainability, and long-term vision.  

Key Results: 

• Onshoring & Cost Savings
  Eliminated export-related costs, permits, and paperwork for Areera 

• Full UK Traceability
  Enhanced visibility and oversight for Areera and its customers 

• Boosted Customer Credibility
  Increased interest and confidence in Areera’s downstream processes 

• Joint Promotion 
  Marketing initiatives, shared PR and promotion activities including site visits, video content and industry events 

• Aligned Sustainability Mission
  Both organisations are committed to low-carbon, circular economy solutions that minimise environmental impact 

Outcomes & Looking Ahead

“Our customers now recommend Areera based on our down-stream partners, including the material we send to The Royal Mint.”  Craig Thompson, CEO, Areera 

The partnership has exceeded expectations. Unexpected benefits for Areera include enhanced customer engagement and transparency, with many customers filming the recovery process and promoting sustainable recycling partnerships. Looking ahead, Areera aims to direct all PCB recovery to The Royal Mint Reformation Metals, leveraging the partnership to support future growth and new market opportunities. 

The partnership between Areera and The Royal Mint Reformation Metals is a standout example of UK-based circular economy innovation. It eliminates the inefficiencies of international exports, enhances traceability, and delivers mutual benefits through aligned values and sustainability goals. 
 

“I would absolutely recommend The Royal Mint Reformation Metals, not just a service provider, but a strategic partner in Areera’s mission. Their professionalism, reliability, and sustainable practices make them the go-to choice for precious metals recovery in the UK.” Craig Thompson, CEO, Areera 

Discover how your business can play a part in redefining precious-metal recovery, book a call.