Happy new year! We’re curious to see what 2023 will bring in terms of innovative technology, new investments and legislation. Let’s recap what happened last year by ranking our most popular stories.
It seems that 2022 was the year of e-scrap and batteries. These were the most searched topics on our website. This is, in part, because of the EU’s updated Battery Directive, e-mobility trends and many conferences dedicated to this growing waste stream. Due to strong interest, Recycling International launched an e-zine on battery recycling.
Top e-scrap & battery stories:
- Giga-recycling factories needed to recycle millions of batteries
- Korean smelter takes majority stake in e-scrap major Igneo
- Holland Recycling strives to keep electronics out of the shredder
- Dutch battery recycling icon Van Peperzeel acquired
- Glencore sets new record for copper extracted from e-scrap
Other terms that stood out include:
- solar panels
- rare earths
- automotive
- packaging
- lithium
- precious metals
- sorting
- fuel
- aircraft
Our detailed market reports were well received, with most eyes focussed on:
- Plastic prices still high but trade issues remain
- Steep fall in Turkish steel scrap imports, India seeing ‘exponential growth’
- Nickel prices stabilise amid rising supply, cooling demand
- Signs still strong for steel scrap
- Scrap prices buoyant as prime costs soar
- American mills ‘hungry for OCC’
Asia and Africa were also a popular search terms on RI.com. Recyclers are especially curious about best practices in:
- South Africa
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Ghana
- Indonesia
The war between Russia and Ukraine yielded heartfelt support for those affected, resulting in various industry groups setting up fundraisers. Popular headlines include:
- Ukrainian recycler tries to keep faith during worst nightmare
- ISRI backs charities making a difference in Ukraine
- LME stops nickel trade due to Ukraine war
- All change after healthy 2021
- Longs market uncertainties heightened by Ukraine war
It’s no surprise that the annual Top 100 was widely read and shared amongst industry experts. Our list of global recycling leaders spotlights recyclers from over 30 countries worldwide; while a lot count as veterans of industry the 2022 edition includes 48 newcomers. The US is well-represented, with 20 recyclers making the Top 100 – as well as 32 female entrepreneurs.
Popular stories about people:
- 2022 is the year of George Adams
- Let’s hear it for the plastics recycling pioneers
- Thomas Holberg: ‘We can’t sleepwalk into a green revolution’
- Celebrating global innovators: Let’s hear it for the newcomers!
- John Sacco: ‘We are more than just recycling’
I started writing a weekly column last year. One of them was at #26 of our top 100 best read stories of 2022, namely:
Big ambitions for plastic scrap
Producers, legislators and recyclers alike have big plans for plastics. The question is; will they be able to deliver? The most read articles centre around PET, tyres, smart sorting, incineration and sustainable packaging. Here are some examples:
- ‘Chemical must not replace mechanical recycling’
- US provides millions in funding to plastic recycling innovators
- Goodbye scrap tyre stockpile, hello sustainable roads!
- Growing shift to paper in food packaging anticipated
Who are our readers?
We’ve seen that the sons and daughters of established recyclers are getting more involved with or even taking over the family business. In line with this trend, it seems our readers are getting younger; the vast majority of online users (and new subscribers) are between the age of 25-35.
The top 10 countries reading Recycling International in 2022 are:
- France
- USA
- UK
- India
- China
- Germany
- The Netherlands
- Canada
- South Africa
- Australia
Don't hesitate to contact us to share your input and ideas. Subscribe to the magazine or (free) newsletter.
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