ReMA News chatted with the candidates about their background and experience in the recycled materials industry, their strengths as a leader, and what they would like to help the association accomplish if elected.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing companies in the recycled materials industry?

David Bestwick: The changing regulatory landscape. There is a great deal of uncertainty around trade right now. The “rules of the game” are shifting rapidly—sometimes even while material is en route to its destination. That level of unpredictability creates real challenges for our industry.

Josephita Harry: We’re in a very uncertain time regarding policy and regulations both on the domestic side and international side. It’s difficult for companies to plan when things change every month or even every week. Throughout it all ReMA has done a great job responding to these changes and advocating on behalf of the industry.

Alton Schaubhut: The regulatory landscape is one of the biggest challenges, and a lot of issues are being pushed to the state level. That means we’ve had to be a lot more engaged in advocacy efforts on the state side and be more strategic.

Tell me about your background and experience in the industry.

David Bestwick: I started on the consumer side of our business. I grew up in a local steel mill, and like many young people entering the mill, I began in the labor department. I worked my way up to become a raw materials manager in the melt shop, where I was responsible for building scrap charges and ensuring proper chemistry during the melting process. In 2008, I was offered an opportunity by the Fleisher family and have been with Dominion Nickel Alloys ever since. As the third generation is now taking the reins of the company, it’s been incredibly rewarding to step back and see how much Dominion Nickel has grown over the past two decades.

Josephita Harry: I became passionate about recycling when I was 13 and did a school science project about paper recycling. Later when I became an engineer I specialized in electronics and had electives in iron and steel and paper, but I didn’t know the industry existed until several decades later. I knew I wanted to find a career where I could interact with others, travel and experience the world around me, and make a real difference. While on vacation in Dubai I ran into someone in the recycled materials industry and told him what I was hoping to accomplish. He took me under his wing and taught me a lot about the business. Since joining the industry and starting my career at Pan American Zinc 10 years ago, I feel like I’m living my passion, my mission, and my purpose.

Alton Schaubhut: I’ve been in the industry my entire adult life. I landed a summer job at a recycling facility in New Orleans that my uncle managed then spent a few years working for a privately-owned company in the city. Since 1995, I’ve been at Commercial Metals Company.

In your opinion, what is ReMA’s greatest benefit to members?

David Bestwick: ReMA provides tremendous value to its members and to the industry. Three areas stand out for me. First is safety. ReMA offers a first-class safety program with resources that benefit companies of all sizes. I remember when I was preparing to step into the Safe Operations Committee, a member told me he saves so much money by utilizing ReMA’s safety offerings that it pays for his membership several times over each year. That speaks volumes about the value provided—and how important it is to be part of an association that puts safety at its core.

Second is networking. The opportunities created through events like the National Convention and the Commodities Roundtables are invaluable. The level of planning and coordination behind these events is incredible, and the connections made there are essential to our industry.

Finally, market access. ReMA has a long track record of advocating for fair trade, protecting our industry from harmful legislation, and building strong relationships with elected officials. Their work ensures that our materials can move freely and that our industry continues to grow and thrive.

Josephita Harry: The networking is huge. ReMA’s annual convention provides the best networking platform. And when I say membership, I also include the membership directory. I’ve met a lot of international members who sometimes have difficulty getting in touch with peers in the U.S. and I tell them the best way is through the directory, which you have access to as a ReMA member. Another huge benefit is ReMA’s safety program. We start every ReMA meeting with a safety message and it’s our number one core value. We want to make sure that the people who operate in the industry are able to do so in a safe manner. The third major benefit is the advocacy work. ReMA has a great advocacy team and is always at the forefront advocating for the industry on the state, federal, and international level. I think it’s really what keeps our businesses running.

Alton Schaubhut: With so much uncertainty in the markets and changing regulatory landscape, one of the greatest benefits ReMA provides to members is through its advocacy program across all levels of government. ReMA also provides great and impactful networking opportunities both at the chapter level and the national level. It’s so important to be able to meet other people across the country or across the world who share your interests and can help you grow in your field.

What are your strengths as a leader?

David Bestwick: My strengths center around building strong teams—establishing trust, maintaining clear communication, and creating a shared sense of purpose. When those elements are in place, you build a strong culture, and with that comes shared success. I have confidence in this approach because I’ve seen it firsthand. I’ve been in situations where people trusted me enough to follow me into a burning building—and that level of trust doesn’t happen by accident.

Josephita Harry: One of my strengths is communication, and in my opinion good communication starts with listening to understand the other person. Often what we try to listen to can be complex and one of my skills is to simplify complex information to help people feel seen and heard. The other part of communication is how we articulate and how we present what we understand and how we act and follow up. That’s strength and something I continue to work on. I have my own opinions and views but I’m also curious and I like to learn, adapt, and gather different perspectives. I also help unify people with differing points of view to bring our voices together.

Alton Schaubhut: I’m a true collaborator. First and foremost, I listen. Then I take in everyone’s perspectives and then help people form a consensus, so we walk away with real action items and impactful takeaways. We don’t just want to walk away from a meeting and say, “This is what we’re going to do.” We want to come away having figured out the best way to proceed to make a meaningful change or improvement. And that comes from collaboration and working with others to form a consensus.

What has been your greatest professional achievement and why?

David Bestwick: On the fire service side of my career, one of the most significant moments was a high-angle rope rescue involving a pickup truck suspended in trees over a steep hillside, with a person still inside. As a Lieutenant at the time, I was responsible for leading the rescue. We had to rappel down the hillside, stabilize the vehicle, extricate the driver, secure them in a rescue basket, and safely bring them back up to the waiting ambulance. It was a complex and high-risk operation, and I’m proud of how our team executed it. The incident was recognized with an accommodation award and was even featured in the Wall Street Journal.

On the metals side of my career, my greatest achievement came during a period when nickel prices experienced a historic surge. Because stainless steel pricing is heavily influenced by nickel, this created significant cost pressures across the industry. In my role managing raw materials and chemistry in the melt shop, I was responsible for maintaining quality while controlling costs. Through collaboration, innovation, and trust within our team, we were able to consistently come in below projected costs for several months—without sacrificing chemistry.

Josephita Harry: When I joined Pan American Zinc 10 years ago it was a very young company, so I was in a position where I was growing along with the company. That’s been tremendously rewarding to help build up a company and live the values and be recognized for it. We’ve won many awards over the years, the most recent highlight for me winning the 2024 President’s “E” Award for Export Service. When a member wins, it’s also a win for ReMA and for the industry and I hope to see more member companies be recognized for their work and service. At the end of the day, we’re all here to serve. If our actions have a positive impact on other members or businesses, then I think that’s a great achievement.

Alton Schaubhut: I wouldn’t be where I am today without mentors. Recently I’ve taken on a mentorship role, and I get to watch others progress in their careers and see them succeed professionally and personally and that’s been a wonderful achievement for me. I’m also the current chair of ReMA’s Government Relations Committee, a difficult but rewarding role. It’s a role that touches every commodity and your job is to get them all to work together, find common ground, and then help their voices be heard. My career and work at CMC throughout the years also has been incredibly rewarding.

If elected, what would you like to help the association accomplish?

David Bestwick: ReMA has a long history of exceptional leadership, and my goal would be to build on that legacy. I would bring my strengths in team-building to help continue fostering a culture of collaboration, safety, and excellence. While it’s difficult to predict the challenges ahead, I’m confident in one thing—we have the best people. ReMA has always risen to meet challenges, and I believe it will continue to drive meaningful impact for our industry and the communities we serve.

Josephita Harry: During my time as Secretary/Treasurer I would provide the best support to help the chair execute their vision and mission for the association. Race car drivers need good pit crews, so I would essentially be the best pit crew for the chair. I would also embrace ReMA’s mission to promote safe, environmentally responsible, and economically sustainable recycling. We need to make sure that we carry forward what is good about the association like the work we’re doing on safety, proactive advocacy, and networking as we continue to add value to members.

Alton Schaubhut: Coming in I realize there’s a lot to learn so I would learn from my colleagues and peers and discuss their needs. By the time my term is over I would like to see a more cohesive state advocacy group at ReMA. We take what we do well, and we build on that great foundation. We have some very engaged chapters, but it would be great to see that level of engagement and commitment from all our chapters and regions across the U.S.

The post Meet the Candidates for ReMA Secretary/Treasurer appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

Taking place at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in San Diego, the i-SIGMA conference focuses on critical aspects of records and information management as well as secure data destruction. It serves as a platform for professionals to come together and engage with the latest trends in secure information governance and management.

In addition to exhibiting, ReMA staff also participated in important discussions surrounding battery risks and safety. Jerry Sjogren, ReMA’s Senior Director of Safety, led the panel “Battery Risks in Shredding, Storage, and e-Waste.” He shared how battery incidents are one of the fastest-growing fire risks in shredding plants, storage facilities, and electronics recycling operations. As devices get smaller and more powerful, the batteries inside them—especially lithium-ion—present unique hazards when damaged, crushed, or improperly stored.

Overall, the ReMA team had a successful experience at i-SIGMA and is excited to continue to foster its growing partnerships with the i-SIGMA team to provide ReMA members with new data destruction resources and provide ReMA advocacy with new allies.

According to Erin McCoy, ReMA’s Trade Policy Analyst, attending the i-SIGMA conference was a valuable opportunity to connect with recyclers who are actively transitioning grom traditional paper data destruction and shredding into electronics recycling and IT asset disposition (ITAD).

“It was especially interesting to see how the industry is evolving in response to rapid technological change, with companies adapting their services to meet growing demand for secure and sustainable electronics recycling,” she said.

The post ReMA Engages in Important Conversations at the 2026 i-SIGMA Conference appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

Through funding provided by OSHA as part of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, ReMA developed a series of training videos to support safety education in the recycled materials industry, with a particular focus on risks related to fires. The training resources focus on helping operations identify potential fire hazards and implementing prevention strategies. The training builds on existing industry safety research and previous guidance, including the ReMA Guide to Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan, and supports the development of safer workplace practices. All ReMA’s resources related to fires have now been consolidated on the ReMA website. 

For more information, email ReMA’s Safety Department at safety@recycledmaterials.org.  

The post ReMA Safety Team Unveils New Fire Resources Webpage appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

This year there’s a sold-out show floor featuring plenty of new and returning exhibitors ready to showcase or demonstrate the latest recycling equipment, technological advancements, and more.

What attracts new exhibitors to attend ReMA’s convention? ReMA News spoke with new exhibitor Ricky Pritchard, Director of Operations at Wheels Away, about what the company is looking forward to showcasing at ReMA2026 and why they decided to attend their first ReMA convention.

Tell me about the company.

Wheels Away has grown out of the premier company in our industry in the UK. We broker deals of buying and selling damaged, salvaged, or unwanted vehicles. We connect members of the public who want to sell their cars with buyers and collectors in the U.S. who buy the car for the recyclable materials or who repair the cars. We’ve found there’s a disconnect between the companies that buy these cars and members of the public who want to sell their cars; our job is to help bridge those connections and facilitate transactions.

We’ve been part of a network that has successfully collected over 500,000 vehicles and paid out millions to satisfied customers. With a strong focus on trust, transparency, and sustainability, we’re proud to bring the same expertise and reliability to the U.S. We believe selling your junk car should be quick, easy, and fair.

How did you hear about ReMA? What are you looking forward to at your first ReMA convention?

We’ve been aware of ReMA for the last several years and after doing some research we realized that many recyclers who attend the annual ReMA convention would be our ideal customers.

At ReMA2026 we’re looking to meet and get to know recyclers who want to obtain these types of damaged or salvaged vehicles for their metal value. We’ve been to a few other events like the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) annual convention and United Recyclers Group (URG) meeting, and we met a lot of good people, and we just kept hearing that the ReMA convention is the place to be.

What are you looking forward to showcasing to attendees at ReMA2026?

We’re excited to show attendees the expertise that we have among our sales team members. We pride ourselves on our customer service and how easy our software is to use and work with. We’re an ambitious, expansive tech-led company that’s here to provide a solution to a problem that companies attending the convention may be experiencing.

The post Meet a First-Time Exhibitor at ReMA2026: Wheels Away appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

This year ReMA is launching the ReMA2026 Safety-First Stadium, Presented by Omnisource. The stadium will feature federal, state, and local government representatives alongside private organizations. There will be booths with resources for members on a variety of safety topics as well as booths from vendors with resources to help members. 

ReMA has also introduced the Industrial Athlete concept, which reframes workers as high-performing professionals whose physical readiness, ergonomics, and injury prevention are critical to operational success. This approach emphasizes proactive health, fatigue management, and proper movement, recognizing employees as the industry’s most valuable resource. 

The new Safety-First Stadium is all about giving industrial athletes the training, tools, and resources they need to stay strong, safe, and at the top of their game.

ReMA News chatted with Holly Brownell, ReMA’s Safety Outreach Manager, all about what attendees can look forward to at the Safety-First Stadium.

Can you tell me about the industrial athlete concept?

An industrial athlete is a worker who is in a position that involves a lot of repetitive movement, continued awareness of the situation, and physical labor. Anything can happen to put stressors on your body from fatigue to various injuries. Keeping your body in shape and preparing for the day ahead will, in turn, help keep you safe.

As we’re rolling out this new idea of the industrial athlete, it’s only fitting that we highlight all the resources that members can use to keep themselves and their team in shape and at the top of their game. So, we decided to update the Safety-First Plaza, which we introduced last year at ReMA2025, to the Safety-First Stadium at ReMA2026 because these resources will help our members build out their safety playbooks to keep their teams safe.

What can attendees look forward to at the Safety-First Stadium?

This year we’re going to have more participation from different associations. Last year we had some groups from different industries, we had mental health support from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and battery resources for attendees. This year, we’re growing the list to include associations like the National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). We’re bringing in PPE groups like 3M and Red Wing Shoe Co. to answer questions, review best practices, and help ensure your team is properly protected from the hazards they face.

We are pulling in industry MVPs, people from member companies who have implemented strong safety programs. They’ll be able to speak on the demo stage and provide overviews of how their companies are working to ensure that their employees stay safe every day. While they’re in the Safety-First Stadium, they’ll be available to talk with attendees and answer questions about ways to implement good safety practices and strategies. I think it’s going to be of huge value to attendees.

What are you looking forward to about the Safety-First Stadium? And what do you hope attendees bring back to their operations?

I’m excited for our DOT mock inspections. The Nevada Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement team will be onsite to do mock inspections and talk with attendees about different regulations.

Attendees will be able to bring back a lot of good information to their operations. There will be some groups onsite that can be a little nerve-wracking to talk to, like the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). But the Safety-First Stadium provides a space where attendees can more comfortably approach and talk to people from these organizations to ask questions and get information about compliance issues.

Battery fires are a growing concern for our industry. We’ll have a lot of great resources at the Safety-First Stadium on that topic. We’ll also have several mental health associations at the Safety-First Stadium. I’m excited about that because it’s important for our members to recognize that being safe and healthy starts with a good safety culture around mental health. We’re looking forward to implementing more opportunities for attendees to engage with those groups as well.

We introduced the Safety-First Plaza last year at ReMA2025, and this year it’s grown into the Safety-First Stadium at ReMA2026. We’ve been able to make this a bigger and better area thanks to OmniSource. Seeing the positive response from the Safety-First Plaza last year encouraged OmniSource to be our sponsor not only for the Safety-First Stadium, but also our safety sponsor throughout 2026.

From last year’s Safety-First Plaza to this year’s Safety-First Stadium, we see the importance of making members aware of the safety resources available to them through ReMA. This year we’re having double the number of exhibitors and a lot of fun and engaging activities. We’re going to have live demos, happy hours, networking, and a cornhole tournament sponsored by ReMatter.

I think this will be a good opportunity to help make safety less scary for members and provide a comfortable, fun space for impactful conversations and knowledge sharing. We saw the positive engagement last year, and we knew it was important to bring it back for this year and hopefully for every convention in the future.

The post What to Expect at the ReMA2026 Safety First Stadium appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

In Brussels, Wiener and Kelly attended meetings at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), where they met with the BIR leadership to discuss how ReMA and BIR can deepen their partnership and better align efforts to address key global issues. Then they joined leaders from the other national recycling associations around the world for broader discussions on the most pressing challenges facing the industry, particularly the importance of maintaining market access and the risks posed by export restrictions and other policy interventions.

From there, Wiener and Kelly traveled to Hamburg to attend the International Automotive Recycling Congress 2026 (IARC2026), where the pair spent two days engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across the automotive supply chain.

During the conference, Wiener delivered a presentation on the importance of market access and participated in a panel discussion moderated by Hyundai Motor Company focused on the EU’s updated End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) regulations. The discussion highlighted the far-reaching implications these rules will have—not only on the EU automotive supply chain, but also globally. The particular focus was on how  new closed-loop (auto-to-auto) recycled content mandates have the potential to reshape the flow of materials in the US and other regions producing cars that will be exported to the EU. Automakers within the EU are grappling with growing demand for recycled plastics, which are not available within the EU at the volume needed, and therefore they are looking at the U.S. and elsewhere for supply (but supply that will come with new requirements).

On Friday, Wiener and Kelly toured an automotive recycling operation outside of Hamburg, where discussions continued around how these EU regulatory changes could impact global material flows.

“The conversations we had over the week made clear just how interconnected global markets have become—and how policy decisions in one region can have far-reaching impacts worldwide,” Wiener said.

Wiener and Kelly will share more detailed insights on these developments during the Shredders Committee and Plastics Division meetings in Las Vegas next month before the start of ReMA2026 – The Show.

The post ReMA Leadership Engage with Industry Partners and Stakeholders Around the Globe appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

Moderated by Cheryl Coleman, ReMA’s Senior Vice President of Advocacy, Safety & Sustainability, the session focused on how recycled materials strengthen American manufacturing and domestic supply chains. Speakers included Andy Golding, Chief Strategy Officer at Kripke Enterprises and ReMA Chair-Elect, Scott Saunders, General Manager at KW Plastics, Terry Webber, Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Pratt Industries, and Josh Reynolds, Manager of Government Affairs at CMC. 

“With the relaunch of the Congressional Recycling Caucus this past Summer, and a renewed focus on recycling as a way to support and grow domestic manufacturing, this event gave ReMA an opportunity to highlight just how essential recycling is,” said Kristen Hildreth, ReMA’s Vice President of Government Relations and Public Policy. 

The event highlighted how innovation and modern processing transform surplus or end-of-life products into resources that strengthen American industry, jobs, and communities. Recycling is not a secondary activity—it is a core part of the manufacturing process, serving as both the first and last link in the supply chain, directly supporting American industry. 

“From recycled materials acting as the primary feedstock for over 70% of the nation’s steel production, to over 75% of paper mills relying on recycled feedstock to a certain extent, the event gave ReMA an opportunity to highlight this dependence and share the perspective of those doing this work every day,” Hildreth noted. 

As policymakers look at policy impacting supply chains, infrastructure, or trade, recycling must be considered a critical input—not an afterthought—in those conversations.  

“From the CIRCLE Act to the STEWARD Act, the Recycling Composting Accountability Act, the Recycling Infrastructure Availability Act, and more, the proposals you’re seeing reflect a growing focus on strengthening recycling systems, expanding material collection, and better identifying where strategic investments may be needed,” Coleman noted in her opening remarks. “Taken together, they signal an important shift in working with industry to support continued innovation, enable growth, and ensure recycled materials remain a reliable input for modern manufacturing.  

By participating in the session, policymakers and their staff had the chance to connect directly with industry leaders who could speak to the impacts that policies have on their operations, their communities, and the manufacturing they support. 

“Through events like these, we’re able to make sure recyclers are part of the conversations early, leading to more durable and effective legislative solutions,” Hildreth added. 

The post The Backbone of Manufacturing: ReMA Highlights Recycled Materials at Capitol Hill Event  appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

ReMA News had the chance to chat with Brandon Engels, CEO of Renewable Recycling Services, and learn more about the company, how they decided to join ReMA, some of his goals, and where he thinks the industry will move forward in the next several years.

Tell me about yourself and the company.

My name is Brandon Engels, and I serve as the CEO of Renewable Recycling Services. I have spent my career in the recycled materials industry and the metals industry, building strong relationships across suppliers, consumers, and partners while focusing on operational efficiency, integrity, and long-term growth.

Our company, Renewable Recycling Services, is committed to providing responsible, efficient, and transparent recycling solutions across ferrous and nonferrous commodities. We work closely with suppliers, processors, and end-consumers to ensure materials are handled sustainably while maximizing value throughout the supply chain. Our approach centers on service, reliability, and building partnerships that stand the test of time.

I am passionate about building relationships and always welcome the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and explore ways to work together. We look forward to contributing positively to the ReMA community.

How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to join the association?

I have been aware of ReMA for many years through industry colleagues, my father Timothy Engels, who’s been in the business for over 40 years and has been a member for most of that time, and from its reputation as the leading voice for recyclers. Joining was a natural step as we continue to grow and deepen our involvement in the broader recycling community. ReMA’s advocacy, market insights, and networking opportunities align closely with our values and long-term vision.

What excites you about being a new ReMA member?

I’m most excited about the opportunity to collaborate with other members, share knowledge, and stay closely connected to market trends and regulatory developments. Being part of a community that is collectively working to advance sustainability and innovation in recycling is both motivating and inspiring.

What are your short-and long-term goals for the company?

In the short term, our goal is to continue expanding our supplier network, increase material flow, and strengthen relationships with both existing and new customers. We are focused on improving logistics, operational efficiency, and market reach.

Long term, we aim to grow into a more integrated recycling partner—expanding our footprint, investing in technology, and playing a larger role in creating closed-loop supply chains that support manufacturers and global markets. We want to be known as a trusted, solutions-driven company that adds value at every stage of the recycling process.

Where do you see the recycled materials industry moving forward in the next several years?

I believe the recycled materials industry will continue moving toward greater transparency, technology integration, and sustainability-driven demand. Automation, data visibility, and traceability will become increasingly important, while global supply chains will place more emphasis on recycled content. The industry will play an even more critical role in supporting decarbonization efforts and the circular economy.

The post New ReMA Member Spotlight: Renewable Recycling Services appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

Think about it.

The car you drive, the wires that power your home, the boxes that hold your deliveries, the phone or computer you’re reading right now – these are all made possible thanks to recycled materials.

That’s why the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) is celebrating Global Recycling Day by highlighting the recyclers who strengthen manufacturing, drive economic growth, and create a sustainable future.

Created in 2018, Global Recycling Day celebrates the important role recycling plays in preserving primary resources and securing the future of the planet. It is a day for the world to come together and put the planet first—and ReMA has been a proud supporter every year since its inception.

ReMA members serve manufacturers across virtually every sector—automotive, appliances, construction, technology, packaging, and infrastructure. In the automotive industry alone, two thirds of the average car is made with recycled materials, from the steel in the body, to the aluminum in the engine.

Sourcing high-quality recycled materials means lower energy consumption and can reduce greenhouse emissions by up to 96% compared to primary material. Because these materials don’t need to be mined, drilled, or otherwise extracted from the earth, this also means less strain on natural resources. And because the industry is committed to engaging in responsible and transparent production practices, manufacturers can meet consumers’ rising expectations to understand what goes into the products they use.

Recyclers are always looking for ways to recycle more materials, more effectively. For example, recyclers are using new technologies and AI to help sort materials and get the highest quality materials possible to manufacturers. The industry also partners with manufacturers and consumer brands to support them in designing products that are easier to recycle. 

When consumers see recycled materials in the products they use—from the car they drive to the bridges they cross—they gain a better understanding of why recycling matters. That commitment creates the incentive for continued growth and investment.

On Global Recycling Day and every day, the work of the recycled materials industry is integral to the manufacturing supply chain, economy, and daily life. The recycled materials industry supplies high-quality, renewable resources for everything from essential national infrastructure to consumer products.

The post Recycled Materials are Essential to Everyday Life appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

This year there’s a sold-out show floor featuring plenty of new and returning exhibitors ready to showcase or demonstrate the latest recycling equipment, technological advancements, and more.

What attracts new exhibitors to attend ReMA’s convention? ReMA News spoke with new exhibitor Ron Williams, President at Xcalibur XRF Service about what the company is looking forward to showcasing at ReMA2026 and why they decided to attend their first ReMA convention.

Tell me about the company and your operations.

Elvatech is a manufacturer of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers with decades of engineering and production experience. In the United States, we have been working together with our partner Xcalibur XRF Services since the early 2000s – historically with a strong focus on precious metals and jewelry/materials analysis, where accuracy, repeatability, and trust are non-negotiable.

Today Elvatech is significantly expanding production capacity and entering new industrial segments globally. One of the most strategic directions for us is the U.S. recycled materials market. We’re bringing our proven XRF platform and manufacturing reliability into a high-throughput environment where yards need faster decisions, fewer costly mistakes, and a practical path to measurable ROI.

At ReMA2026, this is exactly what we’re here to do: connect with yard operators and leadership, learn their real operational pain points, and demonstrate how an XRF workflow— supported locally by Xcalibur—can help improve grading confidence and receiving efficiency.

I want to add that the real product is a standard, not a gadget. When yards measure consistently, they reduce disputes, improve pricing discipline, and build a repeatable quality standard across people, shifts, and (for larger groups) across multiple operations.

We’re first-time exhibitors at ReMA because we’re serious about the U.S. market. Elvatech is an engineering-driven manufacturer, and Xcalibur provides the U.S.-facing sales and service presence—so customers get both: proven hardware + local support structure.

How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to exhibit at ReMA2026?

We first heard about the convention years ago—back when it was still ISRI—and multiple partners consistently recommended it as the place to meet serious scrap operators and decision-makers.

We decided to exhibit because we’re entering the U.S. recycled materials market. We want to meet recyclers face-to-face, understand their streams and pain points, and show how a faster, lighter, stable XRF can materially change day-to-day receiving and margin control.

What are you looking forward to at ReMA2026?

Three things:

1. Real conversations with operators and yard leadership about where money leaks in the recycled materials industry—mis-grading, claims, bottlenecks at receiving, and inconsistency across shifts or across multiple operations.
2. Pressure-testing our approach—we’re not coming with a “feature tour,” we’re coming with an ROI-first framework and a repeatable demo flow that’s grounded in real yard math.
3. Building relationships with first-time visitors to our booth who want a practical alternative to the classic “buy a gun + pay forever” model.

What do you plan to showcase to attendees at ReMA2026?

At the booth, we’ll showcase the ProSpector 3 Scrap Edition and, more importantly, the business outcomes it’s built for:

• Throughput: a faster analyzer means more real tests per shift—especially in the last hours of the day when fatigue usually causes “eyeballing.” Our handheld is built to stay usable for a full shift because it’s about 1.1 kg, which materially changes operator behavior and compliance with the process.
• Confidence against claims: stable, repeatable results for the grades that cause the most expensive mistakes (stainless, high-temp, Ni alloys).
• Predictable ownership economics: we’ll explain our No Hidden Tax approach—no mandatory annual calibrations framed as a subscription, and a transparent service philosophy focused on long-term partnership.

We’ll also show two practical “next steps” attendees can take after a quick booth conversation:

• A Confidence Snapshot (a short intake followed by personalized PDF with estimated loss range from mis-grades/claims and indicative payback); and
• a structured ROI & Risk Session (a decision conversation, not just a demo).

The post Meet a First-Time Exhibitor at ReMA2026: Xcalibur XRF Serivce appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

ReMA News had the chance to chat with the company’s owner Harkirat Papneja to learn more about the company, how they decided to join ReMA, and some of his goals for HP Metals Recycling.

Tell me about yourself and HP Metals Recycling.

My name is Harkirat Papneja, and I’m the owner of HP Metals Recycling LLC in Phoenix, Arizona. I’ve worked in the metal recycling industry for over eight years, specializing in the identification and valuation of nonferrous metals, particularly copper bearing materials. 

I’m passionate about the recycled materials industry and committed to doing things the right way. At HP Metals Recycling LLC, we focus on fair dealing and building long-term relationships with our customers. As a newer member of the industry community, I’m always open to learning from others, sharing knowledge, and connecting with fellow ReMA members who are working to move the recycled materials industry forward.

How did you hear about ReMA and how did you decide to join the association?

During my tenure at my father’s trading company, I had the opportunity to attend past ReMA events. Consequently, when I established my own recycling operation last year, joining ReMA became a natural decision.

What are you excited about as a new ReMA member?

As a new member of the Recycled Materials Association, I’m excited to connect with others in the industry and continue learning from experienced recyclers across the country. Running HP Metals Recycling LLC in Phoenix has given me hands-on experience in metal identification and processing recycled materials, especially with copper wire and nonferrous materials. Being part of ReMA gives me the opportunity to build relationships, stay on top of industry trends, and contribute to the growth and professionalism of the recycling industry.

What are your short and long-term goals for the company?

In the short term, my goal is to continue growing HP Metals Recycling LLC by expanding our customer base, strengthening relationships with contractors and suppliers, and improving our ability to identify and process different grades of nonferrous metals efficiently. I also want to stay closely connected with industry developments and best practices through organizations like ReMA.

In the long term, my aspiration is to establish HP Metals Recycling as a reputable and trusted recycling company in Arizona. This company will be recognized for its transparent pricing and commitment to responsible recycling practices. My vision is to continue expanding our capabilities, increase the volume of materials we process, and play a meaningful role in supporting a more sustainable and efficient recycled materials industry.

Where do you see the recycled materials industry moving forward in the next several years?

In the next 5–10 years, the recycled materials industry will focus on advanced material recovery, especially electronics. As technology use grows, electronic waste will become a major source of recoverable metals like copper. Recyclers who invest in better identification, processing, and recovery methods will be well-positioned for industry evolution.

The post New ReMA Member Spotlight: HP Metals Recycling LLC appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.

“I think one of the biggest issues in the electronics recycling industry is that people don’t know what to do with their used electronics,” said Adam Shine, “So, we decided to create this program targeted to companies in the communities we serve. We aren’t looking for the company’s electronics, though they can add their own, but rather their employees’ electronics. We wanted to make it easy and convenient for them to recycle and know their efforts were going to help families impacted by cancer.”

This year Sunnking added to its charitable efforts by launching Recycle for Ronald fundraisers in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York. Modeled after the e-Scrap for Camp fundraisers, businesses gathered electronics and then Sunnking donated a portion of the proceeds to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Rochester & WNY for every pound of electronics recycled.

“The idea was you could have your volume benefit Camp Good Days, the Ronald McDonald House, or both organizations,” Shine said. “We wanted to expand what we were doing from a community focused perspective.”

The company did provide Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western New York with a donation of over three thousand dollars, with money raised through the company’s fundraisers. However, Sunnking found that the new program took away from e-Scrap for Camp, so the company decided to shift gears.

“We knew people were excited to donate to both organizations, but we didn’t want to confuse anyone with similar fundraisers, so we decided to pivot,” Shine said. “Our plan is to sponsor rooms in the Ronald McDonald House in Buffalo and Rochester, which we have locations in. We want to make them into total tech rooms and put in TVs, gaming systems, iPads, and other things that will make the room fun for the people who need to visit them.”

Meanwhile e-Scrap for Camp is entering its 16th year. The campaign has recycled more than 6.8 million pounds of electronics and generated over $160,000 in donations for Camp Good Days.

According to Shine, one of the biggest barriers to entry for the public when it comes to the electronics recycling industry is wiping data. People may choose to keep their old devices at home because they still have photos and data, and it’s not always clear what’s going to happen to their old phones or computers once they get recycled. Fundraisers like Sunnking’s help shed a light on the industry to the public.

“I believe in our work within the communities that we serve,” Shine said. “It’s important to share our story with the public, shed more light on the industry, and help teach the community what to do with their devices. Fundraisers are a great way to build trust within your local community.”

For electronics recyclers looking to get involved in their communities, Shine recommends reaching out to local nonprofit organizations.

“There are a lot of organizations that need low-cost or no-cost devices, whether it’s laptops, TVs, iPads, monitors, or something else,” he said. “I think if you can extend the useful life of a device that’s the best form of recycling, and when you can do it and make a meaningful, positive impact in your community it’s so rewarding to do so.”

Photo by Jack Church on Unsplash.

The post Embracing Different Ways to Give Back: How ReMA Member Sunnking Prioritizes and Promotes Its Local Community appeared first on Recycled Materials Association.