Market

A study by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, commissioned by the Federal Association of German Steel Recycling and Waste Management Companies, examines the macroeconomic relevance of steel recycling Germany.

Glass recycling in HORECA plays a significant role in the European circular economy. The initiative Close the Glass Loop is working with the hospitality sector to improve the collection and recycling of glass packaging. A central focus lies on separating glass from other materials at the point of disposal and preventing contamination, particularly from ceramics.

At IFAT 2026, taking place from May 4 to 7 in Munich, Sesotec GmbH will present technologies for material sorting in recycling under the guiding theme “Economy meets Ecology”. The company will be exhibiting in Hall B5, Booth 415. The focus is on AI-based sorting technologies and sensor-supported systems for processing complex material streams in plastics and glass recycling.

Tomra Recycling will present new AI sorting solutions at the IFAT 2026 in Munich from 4 to 8 May. At stand 339 in Hall B6, the company will mark 30 years of its AUTOSORT™ system and outline developments in sensor-based and AI-supported sorting technologies.

At the trade fairs IFAT (Munich, 4–7 May 2026) and Plastics Recycling Show Europe (Amsterdam, 5–6 May 2026), RIGK will present its network approach to take-back systems, regulatory compliance and recyclate quality. The network includes plastship, Hannawald Plastik, PACKLIANCE and the DAkkS-accredited PlastCert.

Ahead of the International Automotive Recycling Congress in Hamburg, the ELV Forum was established as an international platform for organisations working on extended producer responsibility for end-of-life vehicles. The initiative was launched by Febelauto and ARN to support coordination in EU vehicle recycling.

The European project SISTERS, funded by the European Union, held its final conference in Brussels on 23 March 2026, one day ahead of the CBE JU Stakeholder Forum.

Stadler has designed and built a flexible sorting plant for Flacipel Comércio de Aparas e Sucatas Ltda, part of the Multilixo Group, in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. Commissioned in December 2019 and inaugurated in February 2020, the facility has become a central component of the company’s operational development and the regional recycling infrastructure.

Martin Engineering has introduced new equipment for conveyor dust control at transfer points. The systems are designed to reduce fugitive dust and material spillage without the use of external energy. The solutions can be retrofitted to existing conveyors and focus on containment at the point of emission. The designs support external maintenance access, aiming to reduce service time and operational interruptions.

At IFAT Munich 2026, IFE Material Handling presents the VARIOframe screening machine, a system designed for fine screening applications with variable operating conditions.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has acknowledged the Environment Agency’s decision to grant a further 12-month extension of Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 314. The RPS 314 extension metal recycling framework maintains operational continuity for shredding facilities in England while work continues on long-term regulatory and technical solutions.