The European waste-to-energy market is currently experiencing an extraordinary situation. The German market in particular is having a strong influence on the price development for loose waste, with great disposal pressure prevailing in the south in particular and ex-works prices continuing to rise step by step. This development is also affecting the north of Germany. The price increase is the result of a combination of strategic and unplanned cancellations, which impose more difficult conditions on suppliers and result in higher disposal prices.
In addition, import volumes from Italy, Poland and the UK have been declining for months. The UK is planning to increase landfill tax by 20% in 2025, which will further increase interest in exports. At the same time, Germany has no need for additional imports, creating an area of tension that could further destabilise the market. These tense market conditions are particularly noticeable in countries such as Italy and Poland. International markets that have turned their backs on Germany are now looking for new alternatives, a trend that has been further fuelled by developments in the Netherlands1.
Scandinavian countries such as Sweden, Norway, Denmark and, increasingly, Finland are receiving numerous offers every week. This overabundance of available material from Italy, Poland, France and Germany is leading to rising gate fees2 as the Scandinavian countries can choose the most attractive options – based not only on price, but also on ideal logistics solutions and reliable delivery. This represents a new situation for the market. With increasing CO2 taxation in Germany in the coming years, this trend is likely to continue.
In this dynamic market situation, it is therefore very important for us to adapt our strategy quickly and flexibly in order to utilise these challenges as opportunities for the Brüning Group. Our comprehensive knowledge of the European markets is one of our greatest strengths. Our expertise enables us to operate successfully in these challenging times by strategically addressing current market trends and price fluctuations. We see it as our responsibility to explain these market developments to existing and potential suppliers in the sourcing countries and to continue to maintain and build long-term business relationships. Through this proactive approach, we create trust and strengthen our position in the market, which ultimately ensures sustainable success for both us and our partners.
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1 Major fire at one of the country’s largest waste incineration plants (AVR), which has significantly changed the market situation – the demand for waste imports in the Netherlands has completely collapsed.
2 A ‘gate fee’ is a charge levied upon a certain quantity of waste received at a waste processing facility. (Quelle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gate_fee)