A trusted Partnership in Waste Management

In 2009, DOW Stade in Germany embarked on an innovative journey with Indaver that has marked the existing collaboration in a remarkable partnership that has stood the test of time. The initial connection, formed while handling a difficult container from Rotterdam, has developed into a solid collaboration that goes beyond the traditional customer-supplier relationship.

DOW Stade is the largest German production site of the global chemical company Dow. Around three million tonnes of basic and speciality chemicals such as propylene oxide and glycol, solvents, chlorine and much more are produced annually in ten plants on the 550-hectare site. In addition to production, DOW also has its own rotary kiln on site and a biological wastewater treatment plant. As a result of these activities, waste is generated which needs to be treated properly. In an exclusive interview, Stefan Hink, environmental technologist and operations manager at DOW Stade, explains that he is responsible for logistics, liaising with the authorities and maintaining customer relations. A multifaceted task in which he is supported by Indaver as part of a holistic, constructive collaboration.

When considering the collaboration that consists of the transport, handling and treatment of DOW Stade's waste, Stefan Hink emphasises the unparalleled support he receives from Indaver. This is embodied by Dina Filiz, Head of Regional Management North & East. "We're talking about a lot of bulk material, liquids etc. It's waste that Dow can actually handle themselves because they have their own rotary kiln on site, but the volumes are often too large and because there's so much work involved, they've decided to (partially) outsource their waste management. The close proximity of Indaver with its specialised thermal treatment facility for hazardous and complex waste in Hamburg and the transparent communication have created a trusting and reliable relationship - from the logistics to dealing with the administration. DOW focuses on the manufacture of base chemicals, utilising a variety of processes and a commitment to sustainability. As sustainability has become an ever-increasing global imperative, DOW Stade is committed to responsible implementation, ranging from waste categorisation to managing the increasing complexity of its waste streams."

The collaboration promotes mutual understanding through regular visits and shared experiences. Not only to get an overview of the current waste package and its changes, but also to exchange knowledge about the operation of the rotary kilns, as Indaver operates similar plants in Hamburg (D), Biebesheim (D) and Antwerp (B). This exchange between the Dow Stade and Indaver teams further strengthens the partnership. Particularly in view of the dynamic nature of the waste market, the Operations Leader at DOW emphasizes “the challenges of unpredictability and the desire for long-term planning. As the market is evolving rapidly, it is important to strike a balance between finding the right solutions quickly and the need for a long-term vision."