CHOOSE
A DIFFERENT TERRITORY
As a Project Manager at EMR’s vast Hamburg site, Clara Seelig is helping to turn some of EMR’s most innovative new technologies into commercially-viable – and scalable – businesses.
And, having joined EMR in August 2023, she has been busy developing a deep knowledge across the company’s different operations:
“I first started working in the non-ferrous yard and now split my time between the ferrous yard and the battery recycling facility. The projects I am focused on include both recycling the advanced batteries in modern EVs as well as the processing of decommissioned wind turbines. In both cases, these technologies are set to grow fast so the work we do now will have an impact for decades into the future.”
EMR’s culture of investment and innovation gives Clara and her team the freedom to find solutions and processes that meet the needs of these customers, quickly and effectively:
“EMR has a reputation for allowing its employees to be quite spontaneous and to trust their instincts,” she says. “When an opportunity is identified, we can move really fast and adjust what we do.”
This is particularly true as Clara looks to build circular supply chains for the latest sustainable technology:
“It's a great opportunity to learn how to approach new markets and how to work with new materials. With batteries and wind turbine recycling, not a lot of companies have really done it before – so it’s very exciting to be part of that.”
Clara admits she hadn’t considered working in the recycling industry when she was growing up but now believes young people should be given more insight into the opportunities available in this fast-growing sector:
“It would be very helpful if there was more education about the recycling industry for the next generation. I don’t think it’s considered often enough when young people are planning their careers but the circular economy already plays a really big part of all of our lives – and that’s only going to increase.”
As the industry embraces a more sustainable future, Clara says there is a gradual – but palpable – shift in the gender mix on site.
“We have more and more women in physical roles at EMR. A colleague my age is learning to drive an excavator, which is really challenging. I was on the yard in the first three months as well which taught me a lot and there was no difference made if man or woman which I appreciate a lot.”
“It’s great to see more women taking on important roles at EMR. The more we see women in these jobs, the more we can inspire others to be part of this amazing industry.”
And for someone still at the beginning of their career themselves, Clara is increasingly pleased with the career she has chosen to follow with EMR.
“I did internships with a range of companies before joining EMR and I could have easily ended up working for a business selling a software or something like that. At EMR, I’m part of a far bigger movement in society to protect the environment and the communities where we live.”
“This is why everyone I work with is so passionate about the work they do, the materials we produce and the role they play in the green economy.”
Read about other people who make EMR a great place to work, learn about our culture and values, or see our latest vacancies.
