Bioeconomy and the Art of Upcycling

Founded in 2000, Otto A. Müller Recycling GmbH continues a family tradition of adapting to economic and environmental changes. In this interview, we explore our partner company’s unique methods, its commitment to a circular economy, the challenges it faces in creating sustainable resources, and insights into its future vision, customer relationships, and values.

Transition to Recycling and Sustainability

What inspired your company's shift from coal trading to recycling and sustainable material flows?

Jens Ottmüller was inspired by his family's legacy of entrepreneurship. In 2000, he combined the family’s knowledge in international trade with new ideas focused on energy and the environment, seeing the company’s history as a call to action—"each generation in its own time."

The founding vision for Otto A. Müller Recycling GmbH arose from blending traditional coal trading with environmental goals, especially those outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. This vision led Jens to focus on overlooked by-products that have long-term value.

Over the past 20 years, our focus has evolved to emphasize bioeconomy principles—preserving resources and enabling sustainable, economically viable material flows.

Approach to Identifying Alternative Raw Materials

Your company is known as "raw material scouts." How do you identify and repurpose by-products across industries?

Following the Kyoto Protocol, countries began exploring CO₂ reduction methods, which spurred economic incentives like those found in Germany's Renewable Energy Act. Consumer behavior now also pushes for climate-neutral practices, and our expertise in CO₂-efficient by-products positions us well to meet these demands.

For each project, we start by analyzing specific needs and setting a realistic target covering all critical functions. We then compare this with known materials in our database. If we don’t find a match, we embark on a “truffle hunt” to locate alternatives.

On each national and international trip, we seek out potential suppliers, and in-person visits yield surprising results that form the basis for a respectful, trust-based collaboration. These long-term investments in time and relationship-building are key to our success.

Challenges in Shifting to Sustainable Material Flows

What are the main challenges in moving industries toward bio-based and circular resource use?

Many industries are comfortable within their existing frameworks. New ideas require substantial effort, vision, and trust-building, which we take on willingly. Waste must become a valued resource again, but both national and international regulations require more focus and reform.

Our expertise helps support these necessary changes. Additionally, inter-industry collaboration is essential, a point the Chambers of Commerce also advocate. Our work fosters cooperation, sometimes even altruistically.

Lack of knowledge about by-product flows hinders recycling; early planning of by-product recovery can open up new possibilities. Avoiding mixing separable materials can also save substantial costs and preserve material value in the long run.

Lastly, regulations often fail to keep up with technological and market developments. Health, environmental protections, and policies like biomass incentives evolve too slowly. For our clients, we navigate these complex international regulations to find suitable solutions.

Innovation through Collaboration

Can you share an example of a breakthrough achieved through collaboration?

Over ten years ago, we were asked to assist in producing phosphate fertilizer from sewage sludge ash, a crucial nutrient for plants. A technically gifted project leader, driven by intrinsic motivation, brought us into his vision.

We contributed in multiple ways, from sourcing the monoincinerated sludge without tendering to securing environmental approval and classifying the end product as cadmium-free fertilizer “P 38.” We coordinated REACH registration for exports, expanded the client base to international buyers, and achieved Germany's first export of over 3,000 tons of phosphorus.

We also advocated for phosphate recycling on an EU level. This experience taught us many lessons: motivation is powerful, government funding can be misallocated, politics move slowly, and engineers aren’t always natural businesspeople. And patience is key; good things require sustained effort.

Our work undoubtedly contributed to a lasting paradigm shift, as sewage sludge producers in the EU are now required to recycle phosphorus by 2029. Confidentiality agreements prevent us from sharing other projects, but some are part of new patents.

Client-Centric Approach and Relationship Building

How do you tailor your services for various industries and ensure lasting client relationships?

Our approach is rooted in shared values and active listening. If there’s a quick solution to a problem, we wouldn’t be the right fit, as our strength lies in long-term planning and trust-building. Only when we achieve mutual trust and alignment on objectives can we set up a successful collaboration.

Additionally, every material flow, like a strong rope, has two ends. Success requires understanding both sides’ languages, mindsets, regulations, currencies, holidays, and even drinking customs. With this full-picture understanding, we can create new, sustainable material flows for our clients.

Long-term Vision and Technology Integration

What is your vision for Otto A. Müller Recycling GmbH over the next 10–20 years? How do you stay competitive with advancing technology?

Our curiosity keeps us moving forward. Engaging with partners helps us stay ahead of trends, and we adapt quickly to new "bioeconomy" demands. As technology progresses, we remain active problem-solvers for industries, policymakers, and future generations, aiming to keep our practices both relevant and innovative.

Through ongoing projects and conversations, we stay in sync with industry trends and sometimes even get ahead of them. By learning and growing alongside our partners, we’re well-positioned to adapt to bioeconomy demands.

We meet the high standards for climate-neutral sustainability, adjusting when further developments call for change. This way, we remain engaged, creative partners in trade and service, working with industry, government, and future generations to shape sustainable solutions.

Thank you, Jens, Jan and Antonia for taking the time to share your insights and experiences with us. Your commitment to sustainability and innovation in the recycling industry is truly inspiring. We appreciate your valuable contributions to the discussion.

More about Otto A. Müller Recycling on their website

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