As part of our “CirculaTUM On Tour” format, members of our network, as well as students from TUM, recently visited ELM Recycling GmbH & Co. KG in Bissingen. ELM produces refuse-derived fuels (RDF) at several sites and recycles end-of-life tires and plastics.
On-site, Alexander Schroeder provided us with fascinating insights into modern processes of plastic sorting and recycling, including the sink-float technique, the use of NIR scanners, automated disassembly steps, and the preparation of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). In the discussions that followed, we touched on not only technical topics but also behavioral aspects, policy frameworks, and the role of small and medium-sized enterprises in the circular economy. The exchange showed how valuable it is to gain practical insights and how new ideas can emerge at the intersection of research and real-world application.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to ELM Recycling for the many insights they shared. We also thank our colleagues from the chairs fml, iwb, CEC, and the Chair for International Relations for their contributions and the diverse perspectives they brought to the visit.