How to build real raw material independence based on recycling — not only at the level of strategy, but above all at the level of practice? This is what our first debate on “Recycling as the foundation of EU Raw Material Sovereignty (the importance of recycling in the context of CRMA)” was about.

The following took part in the debate:

Moderator:
- Dagmara Kowalska (journalist, Polskie Radio S.A.)

Panelists:
- Minister Krzysztof Galos (Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Climate and Environment)
- Prof. Joanna Kulczycka (Head of the Institute, Institute of Mineral Resources and Energy Management of the Polish Academy of Sciences)
- Robert Makieła (CEO, Wastes Service Group)
- Katarzyna Wolny-Tomczyk (Attorney, ECO LEGAL Law Firm)
- dr Robert Wawrzonek (Member of the Management Board, REMONDIS Electrorecycling Polska)

The debate was strong and specific. As emphasized: “Black mass is not waste. It is a raw material that has real value — environmental and economic.”

The barriers to the development of the recycling sector deserve special attention, including:

♻️ Regulation — discrepancy between CRMA ambition and national realities. The law should encourage investment, not block it.

🚫 Local resistance — a necessary change in the approach to social and administrative opposition to processing plants.

🚚 Logistics and costs — high collection and transportation expenses effectively deter investors.

⚖️ Waste law and status — calls for clear criteria for the loss of waste status and the introduction of “low-risk waste” to simplify regulations and reduce costs.

🌍 Collaboration — Science, business and administration need to work together to ensure recycling thrives.

We thank the panelists for their contributions to this important discussion. We believe this is the beginning of concrete changes.

Honorary Patronage:
Ministry of Climate and Environment, Marshal of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship — Paweł Gancarz, AGH University of Krakow, Institute of Mineral Resources and Energy Management of the Polish Academy of Sciences

Patronage:
Business Centre Club, PSNM

Partners:
Green Recovery Recovery Organization, ECO LEGAL Law Firm, Mercedes-Benz Duda-Cars, Brzezno Palace, Greencell