Four days, one Munich, and a message that was hard to miss: recycling and the circular economy are no longer a niche interest. That’s the direction the entire industry is heading—in Sweden, in Europe, and globally.

Norditek was on-site at IFAT, the world’s leading trade fair for environmental technology and recycling, to meet with existing and new contacts. What we’re taking home with us is clear: the demand for smarter, more precise recycling is growing, and Sweden is at the forefront.

Another Way to Talk About Recycling

Thereza, a sales support representative at Norditek, was on hand at the booth all four days and met with resellers, facility owners, and operators from around the world.

“We take a different approach, and that makes the dialogue more focused on the results the customer wants to achieve, not on the machines,” says Thereza.

The difference may sound simple, but it makes a big difference in practice. Many suppliers in the recycling industry start the conversation by discussing technology and machine specifications. Norditek does the opposite: we start with the material. What kind of waste stream are we dealing with? What fractions can be recovered? What is the actual value of what is currently classified as waste?

That approach generated a great deal of interest at the booth and is also the reason why discussions with international visitors quickly led to concrete solutions.

Sweden as a Role Model in Circular Materials Management

A clear trend at the trade show was how many countries are currently in the early stages of the same journey that the Swedish recycling industry has already embarked upon.

“Many people said that it feels reassuring to talk to us in Sweden, especially when it comes to our solutions. Several countries are behind us and are now set to embark on the journey that Sweden has already taken in the field of circular materials management,” says Thereza.

EU regulations play a major role here. Stricter requirements and upcoming regulations, such as the Circular Economy Act, are driving this development and prompting more players in the recycling industry to actively seek solutions to better process their materials.

“It’s clear that many people want to catch up. For them, the next step isn’t just about buying a machine, but about understanding their material, seeing the potential in the workflow, and having the courage to invest in a solution that will stand the test of time,” says Thereza.

From Curiosity to Solution: Right at the Booth

A concrete example from the trade show illustrates how Norditek’s approach works in practice. A German company visited the booth with questions about a specific material—one that had already been tested at the Norditek Recycling Lab in Fjärås.

Since there was already a completed material report on that specific material, the conversation was able to move directly from curiosity to a concrete solution proposal, without any detours. This is a good example of why we believe that recycling should start in the lab and with the material’s potential, not in the machine catalog.

The development of an international recycling network continues

The work doesn’t stop in Munich. The next step for Norditek is to continue expanding its international dealer network, market by market, and invite new partners to Fjärås for training in our approach, Our technology, and our long-term vision for recycling.

The goal is simple: no matter which country a customer is in, they should be met with the same approach—starting with the material, understanding its value, and finding the solution from there.

Interest extends far beyond Europe's borders. During and after IFAT, Norditek has engaged in discussions with stakeholders from the United States, Canada, India, and Australia, among others.

“There was a great turnout from both Swedish and international customers. We had several retailers from different countries on hand at the booth, which meant that end customers could get assistance in their own language. That set the stage for a productive dialogue right away,” says Thereza.