Recycling International regularly spotlights individual scrap traders around the globe. We caught up with Charles van Herreweghe (48) of Belgium at the BIR Convention in Sweden.
MEET CHARLES
‘After working in several logistics roles at the beginning of my career, I joined the logistics department of a Belgian-Indian trading company as a young professional. It was there that the concept of recycling really came to life for me. Paper, plastics, iron, non-ferrous metals, rubber – there seemed to be a solution for everything. I found that absolutely fascinating and it sparked my interest in this industry.’
THE COMPANY
‘I joined Tanera Metals in 2023. It is a family-owned business located in the heart of Belgium. We are a small and agile organisation that relies on short communication lines, enabling us to respond quickly to market developments. Good service, multilingual communication and strong market knowledge are all values that I personally consider very important. Combined with the variety of responsibilities the role offers, it makes this the perfect job for me.’
THE MARKET
‘I believe that uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges currently facing many companies in our sector. Europe continues to introduce new regulations and administrative requirements but it is often difficult to assess their actual impact. Furthermore, these rules are frequently interpreted differently from one country to another, creating additional complexity for businesses operating internationally.
Obviously, ever-growing trade bans certainly make our business more challenging. I try to understand where all these developments are heading but, if you ask me what our trade will look like in a few years’ time, I honestly cannot say. What I do know is that our industry is dynamic and resilient enough to adapt to these changes. We have always found ways to navigate evolving market conditions, and I am confident that will continue.’
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB
‘The fact that I wake up every morning not knowing exactly what the day will bring is fantastic. No two days are ever the same. Also, I have always had a passion for languages and different cultures, which is an important aspect of our business. I love travelling and meeting people from all over the world.
As a trader, you have the privilege of working in an industry that contributes to a better and more sustainable world. I sincerely hope to continue doing this for many years to come, while navigating the ever-growing number of European regulations and policy initiatives.’
FREQUENT FLYER
‘We are on the road quite regularly. If we are talking specifically about overnight stays in hotels, it amounts to one to two weeks per month. What I do not enjoy are the inevitable travel disruptions delays, cancellations, technical issues and so on. Balancing frequent travel with family life is not always easy and requires a great deal of flexibility from everyone at home.’
FAVOURITE CONGRESS
‘Without a doubt, the BIR Convention. After all these years, it has become much more than just a place to maintain existing business relationships and develop new ones. It is also an opportunity to reconnect with many industry contacts and friends you don’t get to see very often.’
FAVOURITE DESTINATION
‘I visit so many different places that it is difficult to single out one destination or hotel. That said, sunny and tropical locations are always particularly enjoyable places to visit.’
This interview was published in our latest issue >>
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