16.3%
Car recycling in the Netherlands is a wide-ranging process, involving contributions from many partners. ARN also contributes to this as the catalyst, unifying factor and facilitator of the chain. The lean & green approach adopted by ARN’s office management enabled it to make cost savings in 2018.
The dismantling company, collection company, shredder company and the PST plant have a share in the success of car recycling in the Netherlands. Two years ago, ARN opted for the most effective and efficient manner of supporting the sector. ARN found new, cheaper office premises and altered its organisation structure (in 2018: 69,2 fte in Breukelen and Tiel). This was all part and parcel of a cost-effective approach to ARN’s important and extensive range of duties.
Two years after its introduction, the new direction is ensuring that ARN operates in a more recognisable and clearer manner. ARN’s vision, mission and promises are clearly delineated and have solid foundations. The sharpened direction has also brought considerable financial improvements. ARN’s office management was able to achieve savings of no less than 16.3% on its own costs in the period from 2017 to 2018.
However, what are the most important activities for the sector and the individual links in the chain? In brief, ARN is enhancing and continually sharing its knowledge about sustainable recycling.
Sustainable Development Goals
For the second year, ARN has submitted itself to the yardstick of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the motto ‘lean and green’ in mind. The colored SDGs shown opposite apply specifically to the content of this page.
Exchanging knowledge
Knowledge is everything, particular in the car recycling sector. Developments never stand still, which is why ARN attends various conferences each year, where ARN’s employees also give their own presentations. They give presentations at conferences such as the annual International Automobile Recycling Congress (IARC), which ARN makes a substantial contribution to. This is where the European car and recycling sector shares its latest insights about technology, reporting, legislation and innovations.
Contact with companies
ARN also exchanges knowledge much closer to home. ARN has ongoing contact with shredder companies. We have intensive consultations with car dismantling companies about working safely with drive batteries from electric cars.
Exchange with organisations
Finally, ARN systematically exchanges knowledge with the VPN (Netherlands Responsible Producer Association), Eucobat (umbrella organisation of European battery organisations) and the Association of Waste Companies (Vereniging Afvalbedrijven). In order to get involved at an early stage when there are innovations in the composition of new cars, ARN has established the Automotive Campus in Helmond with 40 other companies and knowledge institutes. This is the breeding ground for innovation in the automotive field.
In this way, ARN is setting course for 2019 with a focus on innovation and results. Ever since we made changes to the direction of our organisation we have been stronger, more active and more successful. This is also in part due to our conscious choice of initiatives that actually produce benefits and real innovation. That is what ARN stands for!