What We Do
A pioneer of sustainability in the chemical industry, focusing on reuse, recycling, and recovery of secondary products and industrial waste streams.
Our DNA
Raw material distribution
WISTEMA is the preferred partner of the chemical industry - from medium-sized companies to large corporations - for the sourcing of raw materials and their marketing. The constantly growing demands and increasingly complex framework conditions require flexible action and sustainable solutions.
Our global network enables us to meet these challenges at any time. Our long-standing partnerships guarantee our customers long-term high-quality raw materials at fair conditions. The development of integrated solutions for the procurement and recycling of product flows is an integral part of our DNA.
Our product range covers various product groups, from solvents, polymers and acrylates to phosphates and starch products for food applications. In addition, we distinguish ourselves not only by marketing fresh products but also by our expertise in distillates, side streams and sustainable product streams.
Consulting
However, the cooperation with our clientele does not end with the supply of raw materials, but goes far beyond that. With our consultative and transparent approach, we provide companies with targeted support to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Here we can bring our technical expertise into play, with the aim of avoiding waste as well as optimizing the value chain in the area of by-products, co-products or average lots.
For this purpose, we work our way into the production processes and create holistic solution concepts, which are comprehensively supported by us. In this way, we can offer customers maximum waste disposal security and safeguard production operations. In addition to waste reduction, companies can significantly improve financial returns as well as the CO2 balance by recycling waste streams.
Logistics
The storage and transport of chemicals results in special requirements for the logistical processes, which are subject to the highest safety regulations. Our experienced team enables us to handle orders with confidence and create competitive advantages for our customers.
Our motto "Everything from one source" has proven itself over the years. Due to our international orientation, we import and export 20,000 tons annually and are therefore very familiar with the requirements. From customs clearance to REACH and dangerous goods management, our team handles the entire supply chain and covers all regulatory issues. In order to provide our customers with goods in a timely manner, we store products in logistics centers, offering a variety of services such as mixing, diluting, filling or bagging.
Recycling
When analyzing the possible applications of by-products and waste, we follow the principle of conserving resources to return them to the circular economy as raw materials. The top priority for us is avoidance, but if this is not possible, we proceed according to a clear principle:
Direct Use
First, we pursue the goal of being able to reuse the secondary raw materials without further processing steps. To do this, we first check whether the material has a waste or product status, which in turn can have a significant impact on the legal framework for action. Here, we are guided by §4 and §5 of the German Closed Substance Cycle Waste Management Act as well as the EU Waste Framework Directive and Regulation. Our employees are regularly trained in these topics and have many years of experience.
After clarifying the legal aspects, our technical team analyzes the product properties on the basis of safety data sheets and certificates of analysis in order to identify possible applications. In addition, our in-house laboratory is used for test trials to check the material in various procedures for the possible areas of application. We then offer samples to potential customers to ensure suitability in large-scale trials. With the help of our global network, we then work out possible applications and ensure long-term shipment.
Reprocessing
If direct use can be ruled out due to the properties, we review the possibilities of reprocessing in order to reuse the waste or side streams as raw materials. Through our long-term partnerships, we make use of various technologies such as distillation, depolymerization or mechanical and chemical recycling.
Depending on our customers' requirements, we market the reprocessed products independently on the market or return them to our partner companies as raw materials. Here we cover a very wide range from precious metals, solvents to polymers. Our high degree of specialization enables us to treat even complex and challenging materials.
Waste management
If there is no processing option, we take care of the professional recycling and disposal of your waste as a certified waste management company.
We collect all important data, clarify the reliability of the intended recycling with the responsible supervisory authorities, and organize the transport.
We work exclusively with approved, certified companies in the waste disposal or forwarding industry and guarantee regular auditing of our waste disposal partners.
If waste can no longer be materially recycled, then energy recovery is another option. In this case, the waste is incinerated in a waste incineration plant and used for energy – in the form of heat and/or electricity. Another possibility is to produce substitute fuels from it, which then replace fossil fuels such as coal or oil.
How it works
Since 1990, we have been committed to the circular economy in the chemical industry. In the production chain, we take on by-products and waste streams that we try to reuse as secondary raw materials, either directly or through recycling processes. In this way, we reduce the use of virgin materials, whose starting products are often fossil raw materials, and reduce harmful emissions in the economy.
Our Products
Curious to find out more?
Please feel free to get in touch with us for more information. Our team is looking forward to helping you.