Vienna: The city is emerging as a leader in the circular economy, with innovative initiatives aimed at recovering secondary raw materials and enhancing waste management practices. The Waste Management and Resource Management Group advocates for sustainability, highlighting the shift from waste disposal to resource recovery in various industries.

In Vienna, the intersection of ecology and economics has become a focal point for the Waste Management and Resource Management Group, which comprises 1,570 companies engaged in various waste-related services. This diverse assembly acts as a significant force in promoting sustainability, with members often referred to as the “resource miners of the future.” Rather than extracting resources from mines or oil fields, these companies focus on retrieving valuable secondary raw materials from waste materials, including metals, plastics, and electronics.

Martin Heimhilcher, chairman of the Information and Consulting division of the group, remarked on the vital role these companies play, stating, “These companies show that waste is not the end but the beginning of a new material cycle. Through their work, they significantly contribute to making Vienna a pioneer in the European circular economy.” His comments underscore the commitment of the sector to transforming traditional waste management practices into more innovative and sustainable approaches.

One notable example is AVR GmbH, a company that specialises in recovering heavy metals from liquid waste. During a recent visit, Heimhilcher observed how the transformation of hazardous waste into secondary raw materials not only reduces waste volume but also alleviates environmental stress. Helmut Ogulin, chairman of the Waste Management and Resource Management Group, emphasised the importance of this process: “When secondary raw materials can be recovered through processing and preparation, the amount of waste is reduced on one hand, and the environment is relieved on the other.”

Looking toward the future, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce has outlined several initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the circular economy. Among these is the establishment of a dedicated market for the utilisation of secondary raw materials. Current environmental impact assessment (EIA) projects include one that focuses on the mechanical sorting and preparation of plastic waste to recover valuable materials and substitute fuels. A significant regulation regarding the recycling of gypsum is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

In line with technological advancements, the integration of artificial intelligence in waste sorting plants is on the agenda, with the aim of improving waste separation processes. This move is anticipated to ensure compliance with EU recycling quotas and facilitate the recovery of secondary raw materials, particularly in the plastic sector.

To further support these developments, an interdisciplinary expert platform called “Circular Economy in Construction” is being established. This platform is tasked with analysing and re-envisioning the digitisation of construction processes for optimisation, with an EU project already underway that will serve as a basis for the platform’s formation. This initiative is part of the collaborative efforts laid out in the “Future Agreement” between the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vienna.

In addition to these projects, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, alongside EcoBusiness Vienna, provides subsidised environmental and sustainability consulting services. The ÖkoBonus and ÖkoWin programmes are designed to help companies address environmental aspects comprehensively, with a focus on waste avoidance and effective waste management strategies. Furthermore, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce and WIFI Vienna offer specialised training, including the Sustainability Management CSE course and training to become an Environmental Management Representative.

These efforts illustrate Vienna’s proactive approach to fostering a circular economy, demonstrating that ecological responsibility and economic efficiency can indeed coexist and thrive together.

Source: Noah Wire Services