Page 12 from: March/April issue 2025

12

TWO DOZEN NON-OECD STATES STILL WANT
EU SCRAP EXPORTS
The European Commission says 24 countries have submitted
applications to continue receiving non-hazardous waste from
the EU beyond May 2027, when the EU’s updated Waste
Shipments Regulation (WSR) comes into force.
According to a news release from the Bureau of International
Recycling, those non-OECD countries responding to the 21
February deadline are: Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Egypt, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia,
Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Nigeria, North-Macedonia,
Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Taiwan,
Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.

The list contains some major trading nations for BIR’s members
although China and Hong Kong are notable omissions. The
global recycling organisation is urging members in non-OECD
countries not on the list to engage with their national authori-
ties to submit applications as soon as possible.

‘Though countries that missed the February deadline can still
submit applications, there is no guarantee these will be pro-
cessed in time for inclusion on the first approved list, which the
Commission plans to establish by 21 November 2026,’ BIR says.
‘This timeline creates significant uncertainty for recyclers in
these markets.’

The updated WSR includes a complete ban on plastic waste
exports from 21 November 2026. For other non-hazardous
waste categories, such as recycled metals and recovered paper,
exports to non-OECD countries will be prohibited from 21 May
2027 unless those countries have been added to the approved
list.

‘Whilst these developments are framed as advancing circular
economy objectives, BIR recognises the complex implications
for the global recycling industry. We have engaged with EU pol-
icymakers regarding potential impacts on international recy-
cling supply chains, particularly for members in countries that
have not yet submitted applications.’
BIR is asking the Commission to set out which specific waste
streams each applicant country has included in their applica-
tion. It says the information is essential for its members to
determine whether their materials are covered, allowing for
better business planning across supply chains.

CALIFORNIA TO BUILD NEW HOMES WITH
RECYCLED CARTONS
A new recycling facility in Lodi, California, is
in the works to advance food and beverage
carton recycling. The golden state believes
this will help realise the production of sustain-
able building materials on the West Coast.
The plant will process around 750 tonnes of
post-consumer food and beverage cartons per
month. Products such as gable top and aseptic containers, collect-
ed across the state and in neighbouring states, will be transformed
into eco-friendly construction materials.
The site, which will create 15 ‘green’ jobs, is being developed by
Carton Council, Elof Hansson USA and the Upcycling Group.
Operations will start by the end of the third quarter.
The partners involved underline that the facility relies on an innova-
tive recycling technology that can convert cartons into large, dura-
ble boards without water, formaldehyde glues, or hazardous chemi-
cals. They say it yields a carbon footprint at least 80% lower than
conventional construction materials.

US BATTERY TECH PIONEER RECOVERS 95%
BLACK MASS
US firm LithiBatt has created
an innovative shredding solu-
tion to deliver end-of-life
treatment for the growing
number of larger electric vehi-
cles entering the automotive
market.
The company, based in Milwaukee, reports its innovative sys-
tems are already up and running at leading EV manufacturers.
Systems are now in production in Germany, the UK and the US.
Through extensive research, design, and production testing,
LithiBatt engineered a sealed system incorporating a water-
nitrogen blanket, lift-and-dump mechanics, three-part progres-
sive shredding, and an air and water treatment system along
with other unique design features.
The large-scale Li-ion reduction system regulates thermal activi-
ty throughout the shredding process. EV battery packs are kept
submerged to suppress or significantly reduce energy release
with most of the volatile organic compounds remaining in the
water solution.
An inert nitrogen environment stops thermal runaway by sub-
stantially reducing the available oxygen concentration. This can
effectively smother the reaction and prevent it from escalating.
‘Since the recyclable Li-ion battery black mass material does
not readily absorb water, it can be used to cool the materials
and extinguish the fires,’ says LithBatt engineer John Neuens.
‘Combined with nitrogen, we can control and eliminate thermal
events with a wet process.
LithiBatt’s solution separates black, ferrous materials as well as
non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum. According to
Neuens, the system typically recovers around 60% of the black
mass. However, additional equipment can be incorporated to
achieve a separation rate of up to 95%.

MUMMY, CAN I HAVE A
MATERIAL HANDLER?
I was on a ski trip to Germany
recently: mountains, snow, pine
trees – a picture-perfect winter
landscape. Rather than join my hus-
band on the slopes, I took a ‘sky walk’
with my mother and son Robin. It was a slippery adven-
ture I won’t forgot.

By Kirstin Linnenkoper

The most memorable part for my 20-month-old was discover-
ing the interactive kid-sized material handler at the ski resort
playground. He eyes doubled in size when he saw another
boy pull the levers, sending the crane across the sandbox with
its big, hungry jaws opening and closing. Sand was shifted
with immense precision thanks to advice from an over-eager
father on the sidelines.

Once the driver’s seat was free, Robin bolted forward to climb
into it. He was clutching the handles and pressing buttons
before I had the time to put a Euro into the machine. It came
alive with a loud crank. My toddler kicked his feet in anticipa-
tion. Action! The other boy stayed to watch, cheering on
Robin, who obviously had no clue what he was doing. It didn’t
bother him one bit, though. A core childhood memory right
there.

It was touching seeing the three of them captivated by this
fully functional yellow machine, with cabin, lights and Liebherr
logo. Extraordinary to find out that this big industrial player
also creates miniature models for youngsters. It’s a great way
to advance their motor skills while sparking interest in building
and technology.
During a previous expo season, Liebherr gave me a toy truck
for a new-born nephew as a birthday present. I now know I’ll
have to track down another one for my son at the upcoming
Bauma show in Munich. Robin can put it to work in the yard –
under close supervision, of course. Boys can be rough…

While we’re on the topic of material handlers, their global
market is expected to be worth US$ 350 billion (EUR 324 bil-
lion) by 2030. Judging from big investments, industry collabo-
rations and new product launches, the future of the segment
holds a lot of promise. It’s also common to see producers
actively recruiting new talent, notably engineers, at trade
shows. In tandem, the next generation is growing up with a
knack for data and technology. Special summer schools and
R&D projects run by recyclers are helping youngsters build the
necessary skills to advance their career.
I’m curious to see what innovations new entrants will come up
with. Who knows, one day, Robin may design the blueprint for
a new excavator!

COLUMN

10-11-12-13-14-15_trendsupdatesi.indd 12 06-03-2025 15:06