Vienna as a pioneer: raw material prospectors of the future in action!

Vienna as a pioneer: raw material prospectors of the future in action!

The Austrian waste management has developed into a crucial player in the circular economy. The members of the disposal and resource management specialist group present themselves as innovative “raw material miners of the future”. They extract valuable secondary raw materials from scrap materials such as metals and plastics instead of digging in traditional mines. This is a pioneering approach that paves the way to a more sustainable use of resources. Martin Heimhilcher, chairman of the specialist group, emphasizes the importance of this work for Vienna, which has established itself as a pioneer in the European circular economy. During a company visit to AVR GmbH, which specializes in the recovery of heavy metals from liquid waste, Heimhilcher was able to experience the practical successes of these companies.

The role of the industry in environmental protection

A total of 1,570 companies with a wide range of orientations, from winter services to waste collectors, join forces in the specialist group. Helmut Ogulin, chairman of the specialist group, points out that the processing of secondary raw materials can reduce the amount of waste and relieve the burden on the environment. These companies face the challenges of climate change and resource conservation and make a decisive contribution to society's ecological responsibility. The Austrian Disposal and Resource Management Association strives to promote clear legal framework conditions that offer members planning and investment security. This is essential for strengthening the industry, especially in times when recycling and reuse are becoming increasingly important Disposal and Resource Management Association reported.

The Vienna Chamber of Commerce also initiated workshops and training programs that support companies in developing sustainable practices. The OekoBonus and OekoWin modules aim to offer companies environmentally friendly solutions while optimizing their business model. Such measures raise awareness of the need to address environmental dimensions in waste management. The trade association actively promotes innovation and quality within the industry in order to meet the challenges of the future, thereby underlining the essential role that this sector plays in society.