Aleksandra Trendak: Let's dive right in. How did Mitsubishi Electric decide to focus on metal recycling?
Thomas Droth: We recognised that metal recycling is an extremely energy-intensive industry, which aligned perfectly with Mitsubishi Electric's strength in providing energy-efficient solutions. With rising energy costs and the industry's growing focus on sustainability, we saw an opportunity to offer solutions that improve operational efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. The recycling industry aligns perfectly with Mitsubishi Electric's sustainability vision, as it helps save CO2 and reduce the need for mining new materials.
A: What makes Mitsubishi Electric's technology stand out in such energy-intensive applications?
T: Reliability and energy efficiency are at the heart of our offering. In the recycling industry, machines are under heavy strain 24/7, which makes reliability essential. Our VFDs help recycling plants reduce energy peaks that can destabilise the grid. This is especially important, as energy spikes often result in customer fines.
Another key feature of our technology is the DC bus inside the inverter, which buffers energy to improve efficiency. These inverters are built to handle large loads and stabilise energy consumption, which makes them particularly useful in metal recycling plants. On top of that, our products are designed to be easily integrated into existing systems, providing customers with a high level of flexibility.
A: It's clear that Mitsubishi Electric's approach goes beyond just providing hardware. Could you elaborate on how you deliver added value to customers?
T: We take a comprehensive approach that's not just about selling the hardware but about solving the customer's real challenges. Energy costs are a major issue for recycling plants, and by reducing peak loads and improving energy efficiency, we help customers lower their costs significantly.
We demonstrate how our solutions can optimise the existing infrastructure in a plant, saving energy and enhancing reliability. We've also worked on water treatment and conveyor applications, where we can apply similar energy-saving techniques.
A: How are you positioning Mitsubishi Electric within the recycling industry?
T: We're taking a multi-faceted approach. We actively participate in industry networks and events to stay connected with potential customers and industry trends. By engaging directly with stakeholders in the recycling industry, we can better understand their challenges and tailor our solutions accordingly.
A: What's next for Mitsubishi Electric in the recycling sector?
T: We're focused on expanding our solutions to a wider range of applications within the recycling industry. Beyond shredders, we see opportunities in areas like air treatment and conveyors, where energy efficiency is equally important. We're also looking into developing more advanced monitoring and data logging systems, which will allow customers to track their energy usage in real-time and make more informed decisions about their operations.
Another key goal is to continue providing a full range of services, from installation to long-term after-sales support. For instance, we offer a 10-year maintenance service for our medium-voltage drives, which ensures customers can rely on their systems for years to come. Our mission is to keep innovating while helping the recycling industry achieve greater sustainability and energy efficiency.
A: That's an exciting vision for the future. Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to companies considering an upgrade in their recycling technologies?
T: My advice would be not to wait. Energy costs are rising, and the pressure to reduce CO2 emissions is increasing across all industries. Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient technologies is no longer optional—it's essential for staying competitive. Mitsubishi Electric is here to support companies with solutions that not only lower costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future. By taking action now, companies can secure long-term benefits both financially and environmentally.
