L-Acoustics has announced its strategic investment in MagREEsource, a French company that creates rare earth-based permanent magnets – crucial to loudspeaker manufacturing – out of recycled materials.
The proprietary technology of MagREEsource enables 100 percent recovery of neodymium magnets – which are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron – from various sources, including loudspeakers, electric vehicle engines and wind turbine generators.
L-Acoustics says the partnership introduces a circular economy model for pro audio.
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 percent of magnet materials from diverse sources creates a true circular economy model that can benefit the audio sector and beyond.”
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.”
MagREEsource says its magnets produce 91 percent less CO2 than traditionally manufactured magnets from newly extracted materials – just 6kg compared to 67.6kg for conventional manufactured magnets. Additionally, the recycling process uses 86 percent less water, saving approximately 1,187l per kg of magnet produced.
MagREEsource is a spin-off from the Grenoble-based French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS/Institut Néel). The current pilot facility of MagREEsource in Noyarey, France, can process 80 tons of magnets annually, with plans to expand to a full-scale “MagFactory” by 2028 capable of producing 1,000 tons per year.
