Circular Economy News — Week 28

Summary about last week (28)

❗IMPORTANT: The newsletter will be skipped in week 29 & 30 for holiday reasons.

1. Otto Dörner Constructs €10 Million Innovative Washing Plant to Boost Construction Waste Recycling by 50% 🏗️
2. Holcim Acquires Belgian Construction Waste Recycler Mark Desmedt for €20 Million 🏗️
3. General Industries Polymere Expands to Spain with €2 Million Investment in New Recycling Facility 🚛
4. Stadler Inaugurates Advanced LVP Sorting Plant in Spain with 50,000 Tons Annual Capacity 🇪🇸
5. Pekutherm Increases Recycling Capacity by 30% to Meet Rising Plastic Demand ♻️
6. Deep Crisis in Recycled Plastics Market: 20–30% Price Drop Amid Weak Demand 📉
7. Kühl Group Acquires Glitzner Entsorgung in Vogtland for €2.5 Million to Boost Saxony Operations 💼
8. Chemical Industry Sees €3.5 Billion NKWS as Key to Boosting Circular Economy 🌍
9. PV Cycle Collects 14,500 Tons of Solar Panels in 2023, Marking a 10% Decline 📉
10. TU Braunschweig’s €3.46 Million Project Advances Phosphorus Recovery in Wastewater Treatment 🌱
11. Planned PET Recycling Plant in Scandinavia to Process 400,000 Tons of Waste Annually by 2028 🔄
12. EU Approves €3 Billion CCS Funding for Sweden to Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050 🌍
13. O.C.O and Petronor Partner for €20 Million Carbon Capture and Aggregate Production in Spain 🔄
14. EU-China Workshop Targets Circular Economy for Plastics with Focus on Global Plastic Agreement 🌐
15. London Authority Issues €50 Million Tender for Innovative Residual Waste Treatment Solutions 🚮
16. TotalEnergies Acquires Tecoil to Boost Used Oil Recycling with €50 Million Investment 🌿

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1. Otto Dörner Constructs €10 Million Innovative Washing Plant to Boost Construction Waste Recycling by 50% 🏗️

Otto Dörner, a leading company in waste management, is constructing an advanced washing plant for construction debris. This initiative marks a significant step in enhancing recycling efficiency and sustainability within the construction industry.

• Innovative Technology: The plant will utilize state-of-the-art technology to clean and process construction waste, enabling the recovery of high-quality materials.
• Environmental Impact: By improving the recycling process, the plant aims to reduce the environmental footprint of construction activities.
• Capacity and Efficiency: The facility is designed to handle large volumes of waste, significantly increasing recycling capacity and operational efficiency.
• Sustainability Goals: This project aligns with broader environmental goals, supporting circular economy principles and reducing landfill use.

Conclusion: Otto Dörner’s new plant will revolutionize the recycling of construction waste, setting a new standard for sustainability in the industry.

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2. Holcim Acquires Belgian Construction Waste Recycler Mark Desmedt for €20 Million 🏗️

Holcim has announced the acquisition of Mark Desmedt, a Belgian company specializing in construction waste recycling, in a deal valued at €20 million.

• Acquisition Details: The deal expands Holcim’s recycling capabilities in Europe, enhancing its commitment to sustainable construction.
• Strategic Fit: Mark Desmedt’s expertise in recycling construction and demolition waste aligns with Holcim’s sustainability goals.
• Operational Impact: The acquisition will increase Holcim’s capacity to process and recycle construction waste, reducing landfill use.
• Future Plans: Holcim aims to integrate Mark Desmedt’s operations into its broader recycling and sustainability initiatives.

Conclusion: Holcim’s acquisition of Mark Desmedt bolsters its recycling infrastructure, supporting its strategic focus on sustainability in construction.

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3. General Industries Polymere Expands to Spain with €2 Million Investment in New Recycling Facility 🚛

General Industries Polymere (GIP) expands its plastic recycling operations to Spain, enhancing its European presence.

• New Facility: Located in Tarragona, the facility will process materials from Spain and Portugal, focusing on automotive industry waste.
• Partnership: Collaboration with Birkle Recycling Solutions SL enables GIP to leverage advanced grinding technology.
• Operational Scope: The new site is 1,600 kilometers from GIP’s base, marking its first international expansion.
• Strategic Goals: This move supports GIP’s growth strategy and commitment to sustainable recycling practices.

Conclusion: GIP’s expansion into Spain represents a significant step in its mission to lead in plastic recycling across Europe.

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4. Stadler Inaugurates Advanced LVP Sorting Plant in Spain with 50,000 Tons Annual Capacity 🇪🇸

Stadler has opened a new LVP (Lightweight Packaging) sorting plant in Spain, designed to enhance the sorting and recycling of packaging materials.

• State-of-the-Art Facility: The plant features cutting-edge sorting technology to efficiently separate lightweight packaging materials.
• Capacity and Output: It is capable of processing 50,000 tons of waste annually, significantly boosting recycling rates in the region.
• Environmental Benefits: Improved sorting efficiency leads to higher recycling quality and reduced waste sent to landfills.
• Economic Impact: The plant creates local jobs and supports the regional economy by promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Conclusion: Stadler’s new facility in Spain represents a major advancement in the efficient recycling of lightweight packaging, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic growth.

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5. Pekutherm Increases Recycling Capacity by 30% to Meet Rising Plastic Demand ♻️

Pekutherm, a leading plastic recycler, aims to expand its recycling capacity to meet growing demand and enhance sustainability in the plastics industry.

• Expansion Plans: The company will increase its capacity by 30% to handle more plastic waste.
• Investment and Technology: Significant investments in advanced recycling technologies will improve efficiency and output quality.
• Environmental Goals: This expansion aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy.
• Market Demand: Rising demand for recycled plastics from various industries drives the need for increased capacity.

Conclusion: Pekutherm’s capacity expansion will significantly boost the availability of high-quality recycled plastics, supporting environmental sustainability and industry needs.

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6. Deep Crisis in Recycled Plastics Market: 20–30% Price Drop Amid Weak Demand 📉

The recycled plastics market is experiencing a severe downturn, characterized by low demand and falling prices, causing significant strain on recyclers.

• Market Conditions: Prices for recycled plastics and materials have plummeted, with many recyclers forced into not selling at low prices.
• Economic Pressure: The market downturn is exacerbated by declining prices for new plastics and reduced demand from key industries.
• Industry Impact: Many recyclers are facing financial losses, leading to increased short-time work, reduced shifts, and operational shutdowns.
• Export Challenges: European recyclers face stiff competition from Asian markets, which are willing to pay higher prices for plastic waste.

Conclusion: The current crisis in the recycled plastics market underscores the need for strong political support and strategic adjustments to ensure industry sustainability.

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7. Kühl Group Acquires Glitzner Entsorgung in Vogtland for €2.5 Million to Boost Saxony Operations 💼

The Kühl Group has acquired Glitzner Entsorgung GmbH, expanding its waste management operations in Saxony.

• Acquisition Details: The transaction was completed for €2.5 million, including additional cash assets.
• Operational Changes: Glitzner will now focus on its core waste management services, maintaining current operations and employees.
• Strategic Expansion: Kühl aims to integrate Glitzner’s services to enhance its waste management network in the region.
• Service Enhancements: Plans to offer new services, including electronic waste recycling and document destruction.

Conclusion: The acquisition strengthens Kühl Group’s position in the Saxon waste management market, enhancing service offerings and operational efficiency.

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8. Chemical Industry Sees €3.5 Billion NKWS as Key to Boosting Circular Economy 🌍

The National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) proposed by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment has been positively received by the chemical and plastic industries, highlighting its potential to drive the transition to a circular economy.

• Industry Support: The strategy is viewed as a significant step towards comprehensive waste management and recycling.
• Key Focus Areas: Includes waste reduction, circular design, and the use of biomass and CO2.
• Economic Implications: Calls for harmonized European regulations and increased private capital mobilization for circular economy initiatives.
• Challenges and Concerns: The industry expresses concerns about polymer-specific recycling quotas and the impact on product quality.

Conclusion: The NKWS is seen as a vital initiative to enhance circular economy practices in the chemical and plastic industries, with a call for regulatory coherence and financial support.

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9. PV Cycle Collects 14,500 Tons of Solar Panels in 2023, Marking a 10% Decline 📉

PV Cycle reported a decrease in the collection of old photovoltaic (PV) modules in 2023, marking a continuing trend.

• Collection Statistics: Only 14,500 tons of PV modules were collected in 2023, down from 15,500 tons in 2022 and 17,000 tons in 2021.
• Long-term Data: Since 2011, PV Cycle has collected over 92,000 tons of PV modules, equivalent to approximately 1.5 GW of capacity.
• Challenges: The decline is attributed to fewer large-scale collection campaigns and logistical difficulties.
• Geographic Reach: The system operates globally, with over 60 collection points in Germany alone.

Conclusion: The reduction in collected PV modules highlights challenges in maintaining high collection rates, necessitating new strategies for effective solar panel recycling.

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10. TU Braunschweig’s €3.46 Million Project Advances Phosphorus Recovery in Wastewater Treatment 🌱

TU Braunschweig is advancing phosphorus recovery from wastewater with its innovative “P-Net” project.

• Project Focus: The project aims to optimize struvite precipitation to recover phosphorus from sewage sludge.
• Recovery Rates: Current methods achieve 5–30% phosphorus recovery; the new goal is up to 70%.
• Technological Advancements: Utilizing existing treatment infrastructure minimizes investment costs and enhances recovery efficiency.
• Environmental Benefits: The recovered phosphorus can be used as a high-quality fertilizer, reducing reliance on mineral fertilizers.

Conclusion: TU Braunschweig’s project represents a significant step in sustainable phosphorus recycling, with potential benefits for agriculture and wastewater management.

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11. Planned PET Recycling Plant in Scandinavia to Process 400,000 Tons of Waste Annually by 2028 🔄

Plast Nordic, in partnership with Norner and Marianna Sarkissova, is planning to build a chemical recycling plant for PET waste in Scandinavia by 2028.

• Partnership Details: Collaboration involves the use of advanced alkaline hydrolysis technology for PET recycling.
• Technological Innovation: The plant will use microwave depolymerization technology to convert PET waste into valuable raw materials, PTA and MEG.
• Environmental Impact: The facility aims to recycle 97% of the PET waste in the Nordic region, significantly contributing to the circular economy.
• Investment and Location: Potential sites in Norway and Denmark are being considered, focusing on renewable energy access.

Conclusion: The new plant will enhance PET recycling capabilities in Scandinavia, reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices.

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12. EU Approves €3 Billion CCS Funding for Sweden to Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050 🌍

The EU has approved a €3 billion funding initiative to support carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Sweden, aiming to reduce biogenic CO2 emissions.

• Funding Details: The initiative will provide €3 billion to support CCS projects that capture and store at least 50,000 tons of biogenic CO2 annually.
• Climate Goals: This funding aims to help Sweden and the EU achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
• Implementation Timeline: The funding will be available until 2028, with the first CCS auction scheduled for 2024.
• Expected Impact: The initiative is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the development of a CCS value chain in the EU.

Conclusion: The EU’s funding for CCS projects in Sweden is a major step towards achieving long-term climate goals, enhancing environmental sustainability.

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13. O.C.O and Petronor Partner for €20 Million Carbon Capture and Aggregate Production in Spain 🔄

O.C.O Technology and Petronor are collaborating on a €20 million project to build a plant in Bilbao, Spain, for carbon capture and the production of synthetic aggregates.

• Project Overview: The plant will utilize O.C.O’s Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) to capture CO2 and produce “manufactured limestone.”
• Investment Details: The project represents a €20 million investment, with O.C.O holding a 25% stake and Petronor 75%.
• Environmental Benefits: The plant aims to process 22,000 tons of waste annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 2,000 tons and producing 56,000 tons of aggregates.
• Timeline and Impact: Expected to be operational by 2026, the project will enhance carbon capture capabilities and promote sustainable construction materials.

Conclusion: The joint venture between O.C.O and Petronor will advance carbon capture technology and support sustainable construction practices in Spain.

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14. EU-China Workshop Targets Circular Economy for Plastics with Focus on Global Plastic Agreement 🌐

The first EU-China workshop on circular economy, held in Beijing, emphasized transitioning to a sustainable plastics economy.

• Workshop Highlights: Discussions included single-use plastics, biodegradable materials, and strategies to combat plastic pollution.
• Collaborative Efforts: The EU and China shared their approaches to circular economy policies and the global plastics agreement.
• Stakeholder Involvement: Participants included government officials, industry leaders, and civil society representatives.
• Future Workshops: Additional workshops will focus on battery value chains and recycling.

Conclusion: The workshop underscores the importance of international cooperation in achieving a circular economy for plastics, setting the stage for future collaborations.

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15. London Authority Issues €50 Million Tender for Innovative Residual Waste Treatment Solutions 🚮

The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) has issued a tender for the treatment of residual waste, aiming to enhance waste management efficiency in the city.

• Tender Details: The tender seeks proposals for innovative solutions to manage and treat residual waste in London.
• Environmental Goals: The initiative is part of London’s broader strategy to reduce landfill use and improve recycling rates.
• Operational Scope: The selected contractor will handle significant volumes of waste, contributing to the city’s sustainability efforts.
• Timeline: The tender process is expected to be completed within the next few months, with implementation planned soon after.

Conclusion: LWARB’s tender for residual waste treatment represents a crucial step towards achieving London’s waste management and environmental sustainability goals.

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16. TotalEnergies Acquires Tecoil to Boost Used Oil Recycling with €50 Million Investment 🌿

TotalEnergies has acquired Tecoil, a Finnish company specializing in used oil recycling, to strengthen its lubricant recycling capabilities.

• Acquisition Details: The deal will enhance TotalEnergies’ position in the used oil recycling market, promoting circular economy practices.
• Technological Advancements: Tecoil’s technology allows for the production of high-quality lubricants from recycled oil, equivalent to new oil.
• Environmental Impact: This acquisition supports TotalEnergies’ sustainability goals by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials.
• Market Expansion: The acquisition will expand TotalEnergies’ market reach in Europe and enhance its recycling infrastructure.

Conclusion: TotalEnergies’ acquisition of Tecoil marks a significant advancement in the recycling of used oil, supporting circular economy initiatives and environmental sustainability.

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more articles:

1. Recycling Realities and Greenwashing Gimmicks: Unveiling the Multi-faceted Nature of Recyclability
2. Navigating CSR Reporting in the EU
3. Waste is not turning into Value
4. Understanding the European Supply Chain Act: A New Era of Corporate Responsibility
5. The Future of the Plastic Industry: Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Mattersdorfer
I would call myself a person who is interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, knowledge-sharing and probably a few other things. I summed up my “big 5 for life” (very much recommend the book, if you do not know it) on my website (👇). After setting up some start-ups in the area of circular economy, combined with continuous curiosity, I decided to share some learnings, thoughts and questions here regularly. I would be happy if you let me know, what you think about them. Cheers!

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