Heraeus and Hensel Recycling GmbH signed a long-term cooperation contract today for the processing of precious metal wastes. Heraeus will recycle precious metal scrap collected by Hensel Recycling, taking over Hensel's Vino Plasma facility in Karlstein (near Aschaffenburg) for this purpose. Vino Plasma operates one of the world's most modern plasma smelting furnaces for the recovery of platinum group metals (platinum, palladium, rhodium), mostly from automotive exhaust catalysts.
"This agreement strengthens the core competencies of both companies. Heraeus secures long-term access to new precious metal recycling streams, and with the new plasma technology, the company expands its globally leading position in the processing of platinum group metals," says André Christl, president of Heraeus Metal Management.
"We are pleased about this cooperation with Heraeus. Hensel Recycling is already one of the largest specialists in the recycling of automotive catalysts. We have established the smelting process and made it part of our regular recycling operations. Heraeus will now vigorously pursue its industrial development. This cooperation therefore meets an important prerequisite for further growth," says Clemens Hensel, a co-owner of Hensel Recycling GmbH.