Page 44 from: First issue of 2022!
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‘I LOVE THE MULTI-TASKING’
In a new series, Recycling International spotlights individual scrap traders around the globe. Here we
kick off with Giorgos Voyatzis of Greece’s metal recycling major Anamet.
THE MARKET
‘2021 was a good year for the recycling industry. Demand
was strong in most of the regions and higher prices sup-
ported volumes coming onto the market. Changing scrap
import regulations in Asian countries is a challenge for the
industry and I think more are yet to come. In our region,
the EU tries to find a balance between supporting local
scrap consumption without creating disruptions in scrap
streams that have a limited demand in Europe.’
THE IMPACT OF COVID
‘In our business, personal contact is crucial. Due to Covid
restrictions, travel has been drastically reduced over the
last two years. Digital tools and advances in virtual means
of communication have helped to maintain contacts.
However, the inability to meet clients personally has
resulted in fewer or even no visits to their production
plants and recycling yards, which in turn makes it harder
to keep up with latest recycling technology and trends.’
FREQUENT FLYER
‘Before the pandemic there were two business trips every
month but that’s been drastically reduced with 70% fewer
flights. Even if all precautions and safety measures are
taken, different travel regulations between countries
make every trip more complicated, especially the shorter
ones which are the majority in my case.’
LATEST BUSINESS TRIP
‘In October, to the Netherlands visiting a customer in
combination with the BIR convention in Brussels. A good
opportunity to meet business partners and friends in per-
son after a long time.’
FAVOURITE TRADE SHOW/CONFERENCE
‘I wouldn’t say I have a favourite as all the conferences
I’ve attended have offered valuable insights about their
region and market. But I’d mention BIR, CMRA in China,
MRAI in India, ISRI in the USA and BMR in the Middle
East.’
BEST AND WORST EVER DEALS
‘A very interesting period was when we started exploring
the Asian markets in 2009 – before then the focus was on
our region. This created new opportunities that led to
many good deals.
On the other hand, every company has faced at least one
unpleasant situation when prices drop drastically resulting
in a client refusing to pick up material from the port.
When such issues occur, there is no excuse. It was a bad
deal.’
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB
‘I feel very proud having alongside me a professional
team that stands up to the highest expectations. Trading
scrap requires continuous information exchanges
between us, our suppliers and our customers. Market
conditions continually change so someone has to be well-
informed and capable of handling this information in the
best manner to create value for everyone involved in the
chain. This multi-tasking requirement is one of the things I
most enjoy in this business.’
FAVOURITE HOTEL
‘Four- and five-star luxury hotels are fine for business trips
but you always know what to expect. I’d rather have the
experience of family-owned hotels in small towns in India
where some of our clients are located. Even though they
are basic, the unique hospitality, the welcoming staff and
the home-made food offer a genuinely local flavour and
an experience you never forget.’
NEXT TRIP
‘To one of our yards in the Balkans.’
KEY BUSINESS CHALLENGES AHEAD
‘First, regulatory requirements arising from the waste sta-
tus of metal scrap, make handling increasingly complicat-
ed. Because increased scrap utilisation is a means to
reducing Co2 emissions in the industry, it is necessary to
ensure the supply chain remains intact and uninterrupted
by unnecessary burdens.
Secondly, soaring energy costs which have resulted in
higher production and transportation costs.
Thirdly, the disrupted supply chain around the world was,
and still is, a challenge. It is also worth mentioning that
due to higher metal prices, sufficient financing for trading
and covering margin calls is certainly a challenge.
Surviving in this business is a daily struggle but, according
to Darwinism, survivors are not necessarily the strongest
but are those who can adapt successfully to an ever-
changing world.’
A U T H O R Martijn Reintjes
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