Metal recycling firms calling for closed loop systems to prevent raw materials being lost

Essingen / Lünen. Allein in Deutschland werden jährlich mehrere Millionen Kraftfahrzeuge außer Betrieb gesetzt. Aber nur eines von vier endgültig ausscheidenden Fahrzeugen verbleibt tatsächlich im Inland und wird fachgerecht verwertet. Damit gehen der deutschen Industrie Jahr für Jahr wertvolle Rohstoffe verloren, die – anstatt in einem geschlossenen Rohstoffkreislauf zu qualitativ hochwertigen Recyclingrohstoffen aufbereitet zu werden – neuwertig und teuer als Primärrohstoffe wiederbeschafft werden müssen. Zu diesem Ergebnis kommt die Studie zur Verwertung von Altfahrzeugen, die die Scholz Recycling GmbH und TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG bei dem unabhängigen Institut Prognos AG in Auftrag gegeben haben. Demnach werden 2030 von den rund 5,2 Millionen Tonnen in den PKW verbauten Rohstoffen nur 1,1 Millionen Tonnen in Deutschland aufbereitet. Durch die derzeit noch ungelenkte Altfahrzeugverwertung entsteht ein volkswirtschaftlicher Schaden in Form von abfließenden Recyclingrohstoffen, die durch Primärrohstoffe ersetzt werden müssen, von jährlich rund 2,4 Milliarden Euro.

“The figures published in this study are really alarming and make it very clear indeed just how badly Germany – a country with so few natural resources of its own – needs an ELV recycling solution that provides more guidance and control,” explained Bernd Fleschenberg, managing director of TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG. “We will only be able to noticeably increase Germany’s current ELV recycling rate of 20% and minimise this huge loss of raw materials if all the players – politicians, car makers and recyclers – support such a solution,” Dr Klaus Hauschulte, CEO of Scholz Recycling GmbH, added. Which is why the two companies have put forward a proposal to establish a central ELV recycling office. By doing so, material streams, which are currently being lost, could remain in the country and be returned to industrial businesses as recycled raw materials. Compared to primary raw materials, this would not only cut carbon emissions, it would also reduce the country’s dependency on imports and help conserve natural resources.

“We believe that such a central agency would be particularly effective if it is steered by the industry,” Dr Hauschulte continued. “There would be no need to set up additional official bodies, the resources would be managed in the interests of the industry and they would take responsibility for the recycling of their products.” Proof of recycling would be used to control the system. The agency would be financed with a levy which is charged for each new car sold. A kind of deposit return system could also be possible. “The revenue from such a scheme should then be used for environmentally friendly recycling systems as well as for research work,” Bernd Fleschenberg stressed. “Research work is just as important as recycling – especially as the materials being installed in cars are getting more and more complex.”

A problem that is also highlighted in the study. It clearly shows that the combination and composition of the materials used to make cars will have changed significantly by 2030. While steel made up more than 70% of each car scrapped in 2000, this figure will have dropped to around just 55% by 2030. Instead, the share of the more than 50 different types of plastics and composite materials will have almost doubled from the current 15% to approx. 30%. Dr Hauschulte explained: “It is practically impossible to separate the individual components of these complex mixtures of materials with today’s recycling technology. This will make it more and more difficult to achieve the statutory recycling rates in the future.”

If a genuine circular economy is to be achieved, therefore, intensive discussions need to be held with the automobile industry. Effective recycling solutions can only be offered if the recycling firms know exactly how and what materials are used in the vehicles. “The goal must be to involve the recycling sector right from the start, i.e. in the actual development phase so that thought is put into how the individual raw materials can be recovered. This is the only way to create a truly sustainable circular economy,” Bernd Fleschenberg concluded.

Scholz Recycling GmbH
“Recycling. Resources. Responsibility.” This is not only the motto but also the mission of Scholz Recycling GmbH, one of the leading businesses specialising in processing, recycling and trading in steel and metal scrap. With their network of state-of-the-art facilities, work processes and over 250 branches in Europe, the USA and Mexico, Scholz and its subsidiaries ensure that closed loop systems are in place for many recycled raw materials – to conserve natural resources and take over responsibility for the environment and future generations. Scholz Recycling GmbH belongs to the Chiho Environmental Group (CEG), one of the largest metal recycling companies.

TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG
TSR is one of the leading companies on the European market for recycling ferrous and non-ferrous metals. With 140 branches and 2,500 employees across Europe, TSR has an annual turnover of 2.8 billion euros (2017) and processes more than 7.8 million tonnes (2017) of scrap metal every year. The company makes a significant contribution towards conserving natural resources and protecting the environment and is an important supplier of recycled raw materials. Over and over again. With absolutely no loss in quality.

Prognos AG
Founded at the University of Basel in 1959, Prognos AG is one of Europe’s oldest economic research facilities. Basing their services on their political independence and general scientific approach, the Prognos experts support a variety of clients from both the public and private sectors. Prognos AG uses its tried and tested economic models to deliver robust forecasts and scenarios. Today, the company has around 150 experts at eight different locations in Basel, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Bremen, Munich, Stuttgart, Freiburg and Brussels. The project teams work across disciplines uniting theory and practice, science, business and politics.

The results of the study on ELV recycling can be downloaded here (PDF)

Further information / contact person:

TSR Recycling GmbH & Co. KG
Jenny Sbosny
Press Officer TSR Recycling
Brunnenstraße 138
44536 Lünen
Telefon: +49(0)2306/106-3878
Telefax: +49(0)2306/106-3993878
Internet: www.tsr.eu E-Mail: jenny.sbosny@tsr.eu