en.Wedoany.com Reported - Ceratizit S.A., a Luxembourg-based manufacturer of cutting tools and other metalworking products, has built a resilient supply chain based on recycling capabilities, achieving a tungsten recycling rate of over 90% in its most recent full fiscal year. By integrating the complete tungsten value chain from powder production to cemented carbide manufacturing and finished tools, supplemented by an advanced recycling network, the company reduces its reliance on primary raw materials to enhance long-term supply resilience.
Europe's metalworking industry faces critical challenges in tungsten supply. China controls over 80% of global tungsten production and processing, while approximately 50% of cemented carbide used in Europe comes from recycling. Federico Costa, President of the European Cutting Tools Association (ECTA), noted that recycling is now decisive, and returning cemented carbide to the European circular system is a key lever for ensuring supply security and competitiveness. ECTA also stated that Europe's recycling system faces growing pressure, calling for coordinated action to retain more tungsten in Europe and expand processing capacity.
Through its subsidiary Stadler Raw Materials, Europe's largest collector and trader of tungsten scrap, Ceratizit systematically collects tungsten-containing waste and channels it into established recycling routes, ensuring that such waste remains within the European recycling loop to enhance supply continuity, compliance, and planning reliability for customers. Andreas Lackner, member of the Ceratizit Group Executive Board, stated that the company systematically collects and sorts tungsten-containing waste in Europe and channels it into the Western recycling network.
As a member of the Austrian Plansee Group, Ceratizit manages a fully integrated tungsten value chain covering metal powder production, cemented carbide manufacturing, and finished tools, thereby achieving control over critical stages and mitigating the impact of short-term market fluctuations. Oliver Sax, member of the Ceratizit Group Executive Board, noted that the company manages a fully integrated value chain—from powder production to cemented carbide manufacturing and finished tools—complemented by advanced recycling capabilities. Additionally, through smelters compliant with the Responsible Mineral Initiative standards and a supplier code of conduct, the company ensures that raw materials are sourced responsibly and transparently, supporting compliance and traceability expectations in customer supply chains.
