Since January 2026, FEAD has a new president: Herwart Wilms takes over the presidency of FEAD, the European Waste Management Association, for the next two years, succeeding Claudia Mensi. He had previously held the position of FEAD’s vice-president and is now continuing his commitment as part of the presidency.
Strong background in the circular economy
Herwart Wilms, representative of the BDE Bundesverband der Deutschen Entsorgungs-, Wasser- und Kreislaufwirtschaft e. V. [Federal Association of the German Waste Management Industry] has a strong legacy of leadership in the environmental and waste management sectors. As managing director of REMONDIS Service International and a long-time advocate for circular economy policies at EU level, he is well-positioned to guide FEAD at a time when the role of private waste operators is more critical than ever in achieving Europe’s sustainability goals.
“It is a great honour to take on the presidency of FEAD. I am fully committed to working for all our members across Europe. This commitment is also supported by my company, REMONDIS, whose founder, Mr Norbert Rethmann, was also a founder of FEAD and deeply believes in the importance of this organisation.”
Herwart Wilms
Herwart Wilms spent the past year engaging with FEAD national associations across Europe, meeting members, listening to their challenges, and preparing to represent them effectively at EU level. This hands-on approach reflects his ambition to build a stronger, more united voice for the private waste management sector.
“FEAD is unique in Europe,” Herwart Wilms said. “It represents the entire private waste management sector, covering all treatment activities and all material streams, united by one common goal: pushing Europe towards a more circular use of resources.”
Urgent need for fair and open market conditions
In his first remarks as president, Herwart Wilms highlighted a priority shared by many FEAD members across Europe: the urgent need for fair and open market conditions that safeguard the competitiveness of Europe’s private waste management sector. “Private waste management companies deliver innovation, industrial excellence, and long-term investment. But these strengths are increasingly at risk, undermined not only by distortions between public and private operators within Europe, but also by growing pressure from third-country competitors operating under different environmental and social standards.”
Herwart Wilms stressed the need for the EU to prioritise the role of European companies in delivering the circular economy, by creating the right market conditions and policy incentives. “If Europe is serious about its circular economy goals, we must create a level playing field that rewards sustainability and ensures that recycled materials coming from within the EU are given priority. Boosting demand for EU-made recyclates is essential to safeguard our industry, drive investment, and strengthen Europe’s resource independence.”
On this occasion, FEAD and Herwart Wilms warmly thank Claudia Mensi for her outstanding leadership over the past three years. During her presidency, FEAD developed its Vision 2030 that has positioned the circular economy at the centre of Europe’s political and policy agenda. Her dedication, professionalism, and tireless work have significantly strengthened the association’s voice and unity at EU level.
Herwart Wilms succeeds the Italian Claudia Mensi, with whom he had already been working closely for three years as FEAD’s vice-president
Bringing together 21 national associations
Moreover, FEAD continues to expand its membership and influence by welcoming ARSMD, the Romanian Association of waste management companies, as a full member. With this addition, it now brings together 21 national associations, further strengthening its position as the united voice of Europe’s private waste and resource management industry at EU level.
Image credits: © REMONDIS
