Unlocking the Power of Insightful Waste Management at Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH
In waste management, finding a partner who understands your needs is key. Mr Alexander Mey, Safety Specialist and Waste Management Officer at Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH, a company of the Group of Schill+Seilacher situated in Hamburg, Germany, embarked on a journey with Indaver that redefined the very essence of waste management. As a global player in the production of industrial process additives, 3 Schill+Seilacher sites in Germany (Hamburg, Böblingen and Pirna) are serving the tire, plastic, rubber, cosmetics, leather and silicon based industry. In doing so, safety and sustainable waste management are high on the agenda.
"When I became responsible for waste, I didn't fully realise that it will also include the entire operational business," Mr Mey recalls. "I learned that being a waste management officer is not just about legal advice on how things should be done; at our company it is also interpreted that the person who knows how it is done, should do it, too."
A sudden but swift start of a partnership
In 2019, Mr. Mey and Indaver’s account manager Ralf Ojemann came together to rethink Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH’s waste management practices. The catalyst for this cooperation was a sudden refusal by a previous service provider to accept flammable liquids. Indaver swiftly established a disposal route, and within weeks, the first shipments were on their way. This marked the beginning of a profound collaboration that transcended plain customer-supplier relations. Mr Mey explains the significance of this partnership: "We thought, if we can do this, why not do more? We started creating a parallel relationship with Indaver for about a year, where we got to know each other, what type of waste streams were produced and how we approached waste."
Understanding the complexity of waste
It became clear that the cooperation with Indaver was transcending mere logistics and treatment. It's about understanding the waste at its core. Mr Mey highlights, "previously, the waste was simply transported and dropped off at the final treatment installation. It was convenient. But with Indaver we had to capture the properties of the waste much better so we could define the best possible treatment. That's how I learned a lot and also got to know the requirements." The journey with Indaver allowed Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH to gain deep insights into their waste streams, qualities, pricing, and the reporting systems. The result was a solid foundation for a sustainable partnership and safe waste management. Mr Mey points out, "Looking back, I would say that I probably know my waste much better through Indaver today than I ever would have . Their commitment to transparency and understanding waste complexities led to a profound shift in our waste management philosophy”.
Focus on disposal to guarantee continuity
Indaver's reliability became the linchpin of Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH's waste management strategy. Mr Mey emphasizes, "We have very limited storage capacity. Basically, we can store the waste quantities from two weeks here at most and then we have to dispose of them. Weekly pickups ensure that we never exceed our storage capacity. In this way, Indaver is also mitigating risks and ensuring smooth operations.” This reflects Indaver’s commitment to maintaining high standards and striving for excellence. That is a good thing because we also put a lot of attention to our quality and environmental certifications and Corporate Social Responsibility standards and goals.
Sustainability as a horizon
Working with Indaver also opened new horizons. "We adopted a holistic approach to sustainability because it evolved to encompass a wide range of practices and industries," acknowledges Mr Mey. “It's not just about being environmentally conscious; it's about making informed decisions, about innovation, and creating a circular economy " says Mr Mey.
"It was Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH’s dedication and its willingness to address questions and concerns to further improve the process" adds Mr Mey. By discussing quantities, expectations, and forecasts, needs of both parties are met, and waste management processes are optimized. In doing this, it is crucial to maintain an ongoing dialogue.
Clear communication as a ground rule
In the quest for sustainability, both parties discovered the need for clear communication. Mr Mey acknowledges the pivotal role played by Indaver: "Trust has now been established but that takes time”. Mr Mey underlines the importance of transparent communication: “By collecting and analyzing data, Indaver was able to make recommendations that are both environmentally friendly and economically viable. Addressing issues proactively rather than waiting for problems to arise was our goal. By anticipating challenges and working collaboratively, they have found solutions that benefit everyone. For example, the challenges that came with handling hazardous waste are significant. There is a wide variety of containers such as different sizes of drums, IBC’s, silo’s etc. A purchaser looks at waste packaging differently than production or the safety and waste department, but by working together, we find innovative solutions that minimize environmental impact while maximizing economic benefits.
Challenges to come but a bright future ahead
“The collaborative approach has sparked discussions on waste stream optimisation. Challenges can become opportunities. Also the fact that Indaver is an international group with a wide portfolio of treatment installations, also in Germany could benefit us”, Mr Mey concludes. The waste management journey of Indaver and Schill+Seilacher “Struktol” GmbH is more than just a partnership; it's a demonstration of the power of collaboration, transparency, and sustainability. Together, we are transforming waste management and shaping a more responsible, efficient, and eco-conscious future.