EMR’s Murat Bayram on strengthening Europe’s metal recycling market ahead of IARC 2026

EMR’s Murat Bayram says Europe’s metal recycling market is poised for sustained growth as demand for high-quality recycled metals rises and scrap streams become more complex. He argues the sector needs stable, innovation-friendly regulation, open markets and recognition of recycling’s strategic value, while EMR’s Hamburg plant showcases advanced processing of complex metal and battery streams.

Ahead of the upcoming International Automotive Recycling Congress (IARC), taking place from 25–27 March in Hamburg, Germany, ICM AG speaks with Murat Bayram, Director Non-Ferrous for the Continental business of EMR – European Metal Recycling and President of the German Metal Recycling Association (VDM). In this interview, Bayram shares his perspective on EMR’s European operations, the evolving metal recycling market, the conditions needed for long-term growth, and what delegates can expect to see during the technical visit to EMR’s Hamburg facility.

ICM: Murat Bayram, you are Director of the Non-Ferrous activity for the Continental business of EMR – European Metal Recycling, and you are also President of the VDM, the German Metal Recycling Association. Please give us a brief overview of EMR’s European Metal Recycling activities.

Murat Bayram: EMR is one of the world’s leading steel and metal recycling groups, operating a broad network of recycling facilities across the world that process both ferrous and non ferrous metals. We collect, sort, process and deliver high quality recycled metals for industrial reuse across Europe and globally. Our operations emphasise efficiency, resource circularity and sustainable material supply, supporting European industry with recycled raw materials that contribute to environmental responsibility and circular economy goals.

ICM: How do you see this market evolving in the near future?

Murat Bayram: The European metal recycling industry is set for natural and sustained growth, driven by rising demand for high-quality recycled materials and the increasing complexity of the products entering recycling streams. As materials become more diverse and technologically sophisticated, recycling facilities will continue to innovate and invest in advanced sorting and processing solutions to recover maximum value.

Looking ahead, the industry can be optimistic: the sector is strengthening its role as a cornerstone of the circular economy, providing reliable, sustainable raw materials for European and global manufacturing. At the same time, it is important to view recycling in a global context, learning from best practices and technological developments worldwide.

By sharing knowledge and collaborating across regions, the industry can ensure that recycling continues to be efficient, innovative and environmentally responsible, while maintaining open and sustainable supply chains.

ICM: What are the conditions which need to be met to ensure a thriving, profitable metal recycling industry in Europe?

Murat Bayram: The Circular Economy is neither a wish nor a dream; it is the work we do January 2026 1/2today to secure our industry and our people. A thriving metal recycling sector in Europe requires stable, innovation-friendly regulations, open and efficient markets, and policies that recognise the strategic value of recycled materials. With over 4 million jobs across Europe’s recycling and circular sectors, it is essential to avoid overregulation.

ICM: Delegates at the IARC 2026 will visit your plant in Hamburg. What will they see?

Murat Bayram: Every ton we recover tells a story of resources saved, innovation applied, and people dedicated. At our Hamburg facility, delegates will see a passionate team preparing complex metal and battery streams, sorting materials as effectively as possible to ensure valuable resources remain in the circular economy.