Short loop recycling (magnet-to-magnet) typically involves direct reuse or remanufacture of magnets (e.g., hydrogen decrepitation, powder metallurgy) without full chemical breakdown-best for clean, homogeneous scrap.
Long loop recycling like Ionic Technologies breaks down magnets completely into rare earth oxides via chemical processes, suitable for mixed, contaminated, or degraded feedstock and producing high-purity REOs for LCM to convert into Magnet Alloys for any magnet application.
For high-end applications, long loop recycling is superior due to its ability to deliver consistent, high-purity materials. While short loop recycling is cost-effective for clean industrial scrap, its limitations in handling degraded feedstock and performance fade make it unsuitable for critical sectors like defense and medical. A hybrid approach (e.g., long loop for heavy rare earths, short loop for NdPr) may optimize sustainability and performance for EVs and wind turbines. Long loop recycling is the gold standard for defense, medical, and high-performance industrial magnets. Short loop is a supplemental tool for OEMs with controlled waste streams.
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