A joint initiative
TSR managing director Bernd Fleschenberg and Scholz managing director Dr Klaus Hauschulte have joined forces with representatives of the copper producers Aurubis to launch the Recycling Initiative. Their primary goal: to create a cross-sector platform to grow and promote a sustainable circular economy in the metal recycling industry.
More and more raw materials are being consumed
With the consumption of raw materials increasing at a disproportionate rate due to the growth in the world’s population, it is essential that the materials that are already being used are recycled as often as possible – in line with the principle of a circular economy. This not only helps conserve our planet’s reserves of raw materials, it also protects our environment as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions. “Recycled raw materials must be the local industries’ first choice. By doing so, they help combat climate change and safeguard the future of the industrial sector in Germany – and, of course, the jobs generated by these businesses,” Bernd Fleschenberg explained.
“Recycled raw materials must be the local industries’ first choice. By doing so, they help combat climate change and safeguard the future of the industrial sector in Germany – and, of course, the jobs generated by these businesses.”
Bernd Fleschenberg, TSR Managing Director
Exchanging experiences to move things forward
He hopes that the Recycling Initiative will generate a robust movement that can promote the market for recycled raw materials. All the different players – from the recycling sector and other industries, trade associations and the world of science – are invited to take part in the initiative to join in the ‘dialogue to create a future-proof recycling sector’. Experiences and expertise should be exchanged among those participating and pooled together to create joint positions. “It is not the objective of the Recycling Initiative to take over the important work performed by the trade associations,” Bernd Fleschenberg pointed out. On the contrary: the steps that have already been carried out should be united on this platform and the different players brought together.
First meeting held back in June
Representatives from the companies and trade associations met for the first time this June. The focus of this event was primarily on presenting the initiative. The next meeting, which is due to take place in Berlin this autumn, will then be used to try to persuade further companies and associations to join in and promote the use of recycled raw materials. “As can be seen by the logo, this initiative is all about getting things moving,” Bernd Fleschenberg continued. This is also reflected in the Recycling Initiative’s website, where visitors can learn more about the members and read up on some background information, for example about the current challenges faced by metal recycling businesses. “Looking ahead, we also wish to use this platform to publish the joint positions that the members intend to promote together,” he concluded.
TSR managing director, Bernd Fleschenberg (left), and Scholz Recycling managing director, Dr Klaus Hauschulte (right), launching the Recycling Initiative together
Image credits: REMONDIS
