Reno, Nevada — Steve Fletcher, managing director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) had the opportunity to host a Global Best Practices panel discussion at the recent Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Convention and Expo.
The panel featured speakers from around the world, including Martijn Traas from Van der Ven Automotive Recycling in the Netherlands; Maximiliano Marques with NH Autopiezas in Argentina and Peter Butler from Affordable Partsworld in New Zealand.
Each panellist took a turn to explain key challenges facing auto recyclers in their country, along with how their business is responding to these challenges.
In the Netherlands, the industry is highly regulated–but businesses who have chosen to invest are doing very, very well, said Traas.
The Argentina industry is suffering from a very draconian government intervention, said Marques. Only 30 used part types are permitted to be resold, and all end-of-life vehicles must be scrapped within 30 days. The export of scrap metal is also banned.
The New Zealand auto recycling sector is very similar to Canada’s, with a thriving industry that is just beginning to capture some of the notable sustainability benefits of modern auto recycling.
Martijn also shared a video of his business demonstrating 98 percent recycling rates on 38,000 vehicles per year.
“This is an amazing business that is beyond world-class,” said Fletcher.
In addition to the panel, the ARA hosted an International Networking Reception on Thursday evening of the event, where international delegates and key U.S. recyclers were able to mix and mingle to further strengthen the global bonds within the industry.
Next year’s ARA Convention and Expo will be held Oct. 15 through Oct. 18 in Birmingham, Alabama.
