Mary Perin has developed Ricover, an environmentally friendly technology, which uses low energy, non-averse process using rare earth elements from electronic waste. His invention addresses important environment and resource challenges, contributing to the sustainable development goals of many United Nations. Recognized by the European Patent Office, the Ricover cleaner represents a major step towards the industry and circular innovation.
Mary Perin is one of the ten innovators for the Youth Invention Award on 18 June 2025 by the European Patent Office (EPO).
At the age of only 28, Mary Perin has emerged as one of the most promising brain in Europe by winning the prestigious Young Inventors Award honored by the European Patent Office. His invention, RicoverA major global challenge provides an innovative and durable solution: recycling the rare earth elements.
Rare Earth elements, smartphones, wind turbines and essential for the production of electric vehicles are finite resources that have severe environmental effects of extraction. Developed in its granobal-based laboratory, Mary’s Ricover device cures these valuable materials from electronic waste using an electrical chemical process that is both energy-skilled and free from toxic chemicals.
By developing an effective recycling technology, Ricover directly supports several United nations sustainable development target (SDG). This contributes to SDG 12 (responsible consumption and production) by reducing emissions associated with mining activities by promoting a spherical and new economy, by reducing the life cycle of resources by promoting a circular and new economy, by reducing SDG 13 (climate action), and reducing SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure).
The jury praised the global potential of the project: “Ricover is not just a clever invention, it is a cleaner and a solid step towards the more responsible industry.”
During the award ceremony, Mary emphasized the importance of accessible and engaged science: “To make innovation is also to think about future generations. Each idea has the ability to become a solution for our planet.”
