21st International Meeting of Metal Recyclers and Traders - IGMNiR, BDSV, MRF, and VDM

On September 3, 2024, the 21st International Meeting of Metal Recyclers and Traders took place at the Warsaw Hotel, organized by the Chamber of Commerce for Non-Ferrous Metals and Recycling (IGMNiR) from Katowice, in cooperation with two German metal associations, VDM from Berlin and BDSV from Düsseldorf, as well as the Dutch metal association MRF from Amsterdam. The meeting brought together a total of 265 representatives from the metal recycling industry and its partners from 15 countries.

This event provided an excellent opportunity for exchanging experiences, strengthening relationships, establishing new business contacts, and discussing the challenges facing the metal recycling sector in Europe and around the world.

The event was officially opened by Kazimierz Poznański, President of the Chamber of Commerce for Non-Ferrous Metals and Recycling, who welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the growing metal recycling sector. After the brief introduction, the leaders of the partner organizations delivered presentations. Kilian Schwaiger, Head of Trade and Raw Material Policy at VDM, introduced VDM’s activities and its members present at the meeting. Then, Bernd Meyer, Public Affairs Officer at BDSV, presented the work of his association, focusing on steel recycling. The final presentation in this segment was given by Lennert Vermaat, Director of the Metaal Recycling Federatie (MRF), who discussed the activities of the Dutch federation and its members.

The next point in the program was a presentation by Elinor Feuer, a Board Member of the Non-Ferrous Divisional Board at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR). Her speech focused on the role of international cooperation in advancing the non-ferrous metal recycling sector.

One of the key topics addressed during the meeting was the future of recycling regulations in the European Union. Kamila Słupek, Sustainability Director at Eurometaux, discussed the planned changes in EU policy for the 2024-2029 cycle, which will be crucial for the development of metal recycling in the European market. In her presentation, she highlighted the main challenges the industry will face in the context of the new regulations and pointed out the opportunities these changes may bring.

The technological segment of the meeting was opened by Piotr Madej, Leader of the Copper Metallurgy Area at the Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals in Gliwice. He discussed an innovative technology for recycling electrical power cables, enabling the recovery of pure copper (Cu) and tinned copper (CuSn) using hybrid mechanical separation methods. The next presentation, focusing on the waste-free processing of aluminum dross, a by-product generated during aluminum recycling, was delivered by Adam Czech, CEO of HERMEX, and Joanna Krzywda, responsible for international trade. They outlined methods that allow for the full utilization of this material.

After the official program concluded, participants had the opportunity for individual B2B meetings in the hotel foyer, fostering new business connections and the exchange of experiences in a more informal setting.

The evening concluded with a gala dinner and party in the elegant Warszawska Restaurant at the Warsaw Hotel, lasting until late in the night. Participants continued their conversations and networking in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the guests for participating in this special event, which provided an excellent platform for building international cooperation in the metal recycling industry! See you at the next edition!