Interview with our HSE Coordinator Vincent

Krommenhoek Metals successfully passed the WEEELABEX audit some time ago. As of December 7, 2021, we have therefore been in possession of the corresponding certificate in accordance with CENELEC.

We saw this as a great opportunity to conduct an interview with Vincent, the HSE coordinator at Krommenhoek Metals.

• • Vincent, the first question that comes to mind is an obvious one. What exactly is WEEELABEX?
    
    It stands forWaste Electrical and Electronic Equipment LABel of EXcellence. These are standards for the processing of electronic waste. A few years ago, the Netherlands became one of the first countries to make processing in accordance with these standards mandatory. This is laid out in the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulation. Collection, transport, and sorting are divided into three streams:
    Stream 1 – devices smaller than 50 cm.
    Stream 2 – devices larger than 50 cm.
    Stream 3 – flat-panel displays

• • How long have you been working at Krommenhoek Metals?
    
    Since September 1, 2021. So, not that long yet. But looking back, I’ve actually accomplished quite a bit during that time.

• • What do you do on a daily basis as a QHSE coordinator?
    
    Quality! Together with management, we’re working hard to improve it. But we’re also taking safety to the next level. Basically, I contribute to the continuous improvement of business processes in general. Often, you can achieve that simply by streamlining things.

• • That’s interesting! Can you give an example of that?
    
    Absolutely. Customers appreciate it when the pallet boxes are clean. But they often end up dirty and muddy due to internal transport. We now have a central storage and washing area for the boxes. As a result, there’s no longer any internal transport. This is an example of an improvement that has nothing to do with safety, but everything to do with our commitment to customer service.

• • I see. And what else is part of your job responsibilities?
    
    Implementation of, among other things, the Energy Conservation Plan, the CO2 Performance Ladder, and the Fire Safety Plan. I also keep the environmental permits up to date. But I work on operational projects as well. Recently, I had to oversee the implementation of our new catalyst recyclingplant.

• • Back to WEEELABEX. Can you tell us a little more about that?
    
    Of course. The process took about three months. That’s pretty fast for this kind of certification, but the foundation was already in place, of course. It helps enormously that our business and processing procedures are already well-documented in our ISO standards.

• So what is the significance of that certificate for Krommenhoek Metals?
  
  It shows that we contribute to the responsible recycling of WEEE streams. At Krommenhoek, we sort everything as thoroughly as possible and prepare it fully for recycling. And, of course, reusing a lot of WEEE has a positive impact on the environment.