We look back with great pleasure on the SASE Forum in Iserlohn (Germany) on 18 March, where we were active as a sponsor and co-organiser. The event was characterized by a thoroughly positive atmosphere, marked by open exchange and many inspiring discussions with colleagues from across the industry.
The focus was on the topics of ‘Innovative recycling centres, large-scale underground systems and digital waste management’ – areas that are more relevant than ever and have a significant impact on our work. We are particularly proud to have brought together a high-calibre line-up of speakers from local authorities, the private sector and consulting firms. Their presentations provided valuable insights and best practices on how circular economy and digitalization can already be successfully implemented today.
The discussions during the forum were not only practical, but also clearly focused on the future. Time and again, the transformative potential of technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, big data and analytics for our industry was highlighted – as was the importance of not losing sight of the human aspect. After all, true innovation can only succeed if technological advances go hand in hand with people's needs and experiences. Only then can sustainability efforts be truly effective and inclusive.
On behalf of the entire SASE team, we would like to thank all participants and speakers for their contributions and open exchange. Together, we are shaping the future of waste management – innovatively, sustainably and always in dialogue.
1. welcome
Uwe Feige (Vice President of VKU, Plant Manager at ksj) opened the forum with an impressive welcome address. He focused on the importance of ‘Waste Management 4.0’ and emphasized that fully automated processes and intelligent waste management will be key building blocks of the future. He paid particular attention to recyclable product design – a decisive step towards a functioning circular economy.
2. circular economy in Germany: status quo and challenges
Dr Jochen Hoffmeister (Prognos AG) provided an in-depth overview of the current state of the circular economy in Germany. He pointed out that traditional resource and recycling companies urgently need to focus more on circularity and digitalization if they are to remain key players in the future. It also became clear that Germany's innovative strength in waste management technologies has recently declined – a wake-up call for the entire industry. Dr Hoffmeister also gave an impressive account of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on waste generation and the economic development of the industry.
3. orderly collection is the first step in any high-quality recycling process
Dr Martin J. Gehring (VKU e.V., Waste Management and Urban Cleanliness Department, VKS) emphasized the fundamental role of organized collection for high-quality recycling in his presentation. His clear message was that without structured collection systems, even ambitious recycling targets remain unattainable.
4. requirements of users and municipal companies for the separate collection of recyclable raw materials
Dr.-Ing. Dietmar Regener (ASP Paderborn) highlighted the different requirements that both citizens and municipal companies place on modern recycling centres. Today, easy accessibility, flexible opening hours, convenient operation and low fees are particularly in demand. On the operational side, however, issues such as occupational safety, sorting quality and digital payment processing are at the forefront. Clear requirements were also formulated for underfloor systems: intuitive handling, punctual emptying and clean locations.
5. effects of demographic change on underfloor systems and recycling centres
Representatives from INFA GmbH impressively demonstrated how demographic change is affecting the use of underground systems and recycling centres. It became clear that the systems must not only be efficient, but also age-appropriate and barrier-free in order to continue functioning in the future. The exchange between participants once again highlighted the importance of joint learning and innovative approaches in this area.
6. digitalization and the circular economy: potential today and outlook for the smart cities of tomorrow
Dipl.-Ing. Volker Fennemann (Fraunhofer IML) painted a fascinating picture of how digitalization could revolutionize the circular economy. Despite challenges such as data fragmentation, a shortage of skilled workers and investment hurdles, he emphasized the great opportunities: a consistent digital framework could enable sustainable business models, make information transparent throughout the entire product life cycle and open up new areas for innovation. His outlook on the digital product passport, which could play a key role in the future, was particularly exciting.
7. quality assurance through IT solutions
Finally, Johannes Wittmann (Wittmann Entsorgungswirtschaft GmbH) showed how modern IT solutions can contribute to quality assurance. He particularly emphasized that people must always be at the centre of all technical developments. Only in this way can technology be used to truly benefit society and consistently pave the way for a more sustainable future.