Following the eagerly anticipated Metals Recycling Event (MRE) & Complete Auto Recycling Show (CARS), we reflect, as the metals and vehicle recycling sectors gathered on 11 & 12 July in Stoneleigh to see and hear the latest developments from across the industry.
With over 1400 visitors across the two days, this represented the highest attendance in the events’ history. In addition, the show surpassed all previous records with 95 exhibiting companies showcasing their products and services.
With indoor and outdoor exhibitions, expert presentations, practical seminars and much more all jam-packed into a two-day schedule, here are some of the highlights…
One of the events most popular features is the Ward Recycling Live Demonstration Area, where visitors witnessed some of the latest equipment in action in its intended environment. Headline partners JCB & Blue Fuchs put the latest material processing technology to the test. Machinery included the JCB JS20MH, Hydradig, Teletruk and 417 Wheeled Loader, while Blue Fuchs featured their MHL340 and ZB Group Thor 1616 primary shredder.
Headline partner Hollander International hosted a Summer BBQ on the evening of the first day and ran a range of customer sessions for their Pinnacle Professional yard management software.
New product launches included the new Vehicle Recycling System from Powerhand Attachments allowing greater efficiency in vehicle dismantling. While Elemental Resource Management (formerly AWT Catalyst Recycling) used the event as a platform to launch their new brand.
CONFERENCE
The CARS programme had a global feel with a headline session looking at the future of vehicle dismantling, which included contributors from the UK, EU and USA.
Artemis Hatzi-Hull, who has responsibility for ELVs at the European Commission, was discussing what issues may be raised during the review of the ELV Directive, and explained that while the directive has had many positive effects worldwide there are certain things which can be improved upon.
You can see the full report and watch a full interview with Ms Hatzi-Hull via www.letsrecycle.com
In the MRE theatre, Malcolm Lythgo, head of waste regulation at the Environment Agency, was discussing challenges facing the metal recycling industry.
Mr Lythgo explained some of the steps the Agency is taking to clamp down on those who operate online without a valid license.
For example, he explained that the Agency has worked with online retailer eBay to ensure a pop-up message displays when somebody is selling certain vehicle-parts online in the UK, to let them know what license they will need to do so legally.
My Lythgo said that clicks through to the page are increasing since the message came live earlier this year.
He also mentioned that going forward, the Agency will also be “working with industry” to clamp down on waste crime, and said that recommendations on how it will do so will be published this year.
NEW FEATURES
Visitors commented on the number of things to do across the two days which included off site tours, unprecedented networking opportunities, a 4×4 driving experience, falconry and a range of practical workshops.
One such workshop, delivered by dismantling expert Andy Latham of Salvage Wire looked at safe working around hybrid and electric vehicles and best practices for disposal of lithium ion batteries. Other sessions included the business focussed ‘Breaking Big’, delivered by The Business Doctors – experts in SME growth.
With record numbers of visitors, exhibitors, speakers and demonstrators the event provided a platform for cross industry collaboration and enabled attendees to gain a deeper understand of current market developments.
Event organiser Ali McQueen said, “We were delighted with the quality of visitors and exhibitors that were attracted to this year’s show and we’re excited at the potential to build on this further for 2020. We would like to thank all of the visitors and exhibitors who attended across the two days.”
The next event will take place in July 2020.
