German Recycling Associations Merge to Form Circular Metal Association

Germany’s two leading metal recycling organizations, the German Steel Recycling and Disposal Association (BDSV) and the German Association of Metal Traders and Recyclers (VDM), have signed a merger agreement to establish the Circular Metal Association (CMA), creating a single industry body to represent the country’s steel and metal recycling sector.

The merger marks a significant consolidation of Germany’s recycling industry representation, bringing together organizations that collectively represent companies involved in metal collection, processing, trading, and recycling. Once finalized, the CMA will serve as the unified voice of the sector in national, European, and international policy discussions.

The merger will become legally effective following its registration in Germany’s association register, a process expected to be completed within the coming weeks. Until then, both BDSV and VDM will continue operating under their existing organizational structures.

Following registration, the two associations will cease to exist as independent legal entities. All memberships, rights, obligations, and ongoing activities will automatically transfer to the newly established Circular Metal Association.

The CMA will represent the entire steel and metal recycling value chain, encompassing ferrous and non-ferrous scrap collection, processing, trading, and the supply of recycled materials to the metalworking industry. Its remit will also extend beyond recycling to include the trade of primary metals, ferroalloys, and specialty metals, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of modern metal supply chains.

By consolidating industry representation, the new association aims to strengthen advocacy on issues affecting the recycling sector, including circular economy policy, trade regulations, resource security, decarbonization, and access to secondary raw materials. The unified structure is expected to provide a stronger platform for engaging with government authorities and policymakers as regulatory requirements surrounding critical materials and recycling continue to evolve.

At the European level, the CMA will represent the interests of Germany’s recycling industry before institutions including the European Commission and the European Parliament. The organization will also participate in international industry forums through memberships in Recycling Europe and the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), helping to coordinate positions on global recycling policy and international trade issues.

The formation of the CMA comes amid growing recognition of recycled metals as strategic raw materials supporting industrial competitiveness and the energy transition. Steel and metal recyclers play an increasingly important role in supplying secondary raw materials for low-carbon manufacturing, while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on primary resource extraction.

As Europe continues to expand circular economy initiatives and strengthen domestic critical material supply chains, industry associations are seeking greater coordination to address increasingly complex regulatory, environmental, and market challenges. The creation of the Circular Metal Association positions Germany’s recycling sector with a single, more influential representative capable of engaging across the full metal recycling ecosystem.

Source: steelorbis

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Germany’s two largest metal recycling associations are merging to form the Circular Metal Association, creating a unified organization to strengthen industry representation on circular economy, trade, and resource policy at national and international levels.