The policy of Steel Impex is the maximum utilization of collected waste, so-called zero waste. This is not a distant vision for this reputable company, but strict design and management of treatment processes – in other words reality
We have recognised renewable energy sources as a good potential for the future of business. That is why it was decided to satisfy our entire electricity needs through solar energy and contribute to protecting the environment in yet another way. We hope to complete this project in January 2022.
For Serbia, waste is a project in development, with huge potentials that are not yet used. How to change that?
The Republic of Serbia is one of the countries in Europe that does not yet have an effective waste management system. The problem is not only laws and bylaws, but also the situation on the ground, which begins with inadequate primary sorting.
Amendments to laws and bylaws are currently being made through joint work between the state and NALED, but with cooperation from operators and companies. The goal is to establish a recycling system that shares the responsibility between all participants, from producers, operators who perform sorting, transport and recycling, and operators who perform final disposal. Waste has a negative impact on the environment if it is not managed wisely, and on the other hand it is an immense resource.
There are not many women in your business. How do your colleagues, suppliers, local and foreign partners see you?
For many years, women have had success in the business world, also in the recycling industry. Strength and perseverance make us unique, but despite our dedicated work and exceptional results, we have not yet received the place we deserve in society.
However, unlike many companies operating in Serbia, the management of Steel Impex is mostly made up of women who overcome challenges and prejudices with their persistence and resilience, without too much attention.
Our Steel Impex women’s team is very well organised, loyal and, above all, determined to finish the job successfully
Does your company feel your energy at work and a woman’s practicality in finding the best solutions?
Women have qualities that have a positive effect on business, including our Maja Muškinja, who balances between sales, logistics and the environmental sector. Our women’s team is very well organised, loyal and, above all, determined to finish the job successfully. There is no problem-free work, and when a problem arises, I have full confidence in the abilities and decisions of the team I work with, so with cooperation, problems are easier to overcome.
Is this the right time to promote the sorting of household waste and environmental knowledge?
Our goal is to contribute together with suppliers and business partners to the goals of the Republic of Serbia, which has committed itself to reducing gas emissions by 33.3% by 2030. It is always a good time to spread knowledge about the environment and the circular economy. Besides a project for the transition to renewable energy sources, Steel Impex participated less than a month ago in an international project to promote the sorting of primary waste in households in Kraljevo. The project was carried out by high school students who educated their peers and family members with the knowhow of our staff.