SECONTRADE: Pioneering the digital trade of secondary raw material

When one industry’s waste becomes another’s resource, the circular economy thrives. However, managing and trading secondary raw materials has always been tough, and recent global supply chain disruptions highlight the need for sustainable solutions in Europe.

Enter SECONTRADE, a Viennese startup turning waste into valuable resources. Founded in 2018 as a subsidiary of UFH, one of Austria’s leader in recycling electrical appliances and batteries, SECONTRADE offers a digital marketplace for trading metals, plastics, glass, and more, making the process simpler and more efficient.

At SECONTRADE’s helm is Brigitte Reich, a lawyer specializing in environmental and waste law. She and her team have established SECONTRADE as an important contributor to the circular economy, promoting sustainable resource management throughout Europe.

“In 2018, we saw untapped potential in digitizing secondary raw materials processing,” Reich explains. “That’s how the idea for SECONTRADE was born, and with our parent company’s backing, the platform went live within a year.”

Reich’s extensive waste management background and network were crucial in shaping SECONTRADE’s direction. After internships with an NGO in Argentina and roles at law firms, she joined UFH in 2005 and worked on setting up producer-responsible collection and recovery systems, focusing on recycling refrigerators into secondary raw materials.

SECONTRADE started as a digital marketplace for electronic waste and has since expanded to include biogenic residues and wood waste as well as construction waste.

By connecting suppliers and buyers across Europe, SECONTRADE ensures that materials which might otherwise be discarded are instead reused, boosting environmental protection and economic efficiency.

“We reveal these potentials and expand the market for buyers and sellers, making the transaction and documentation as smooth as possible”, says Reich. 

However, establishing the new marketplace wasn’t smooth from the start. 

“Early on, we noticed a fear of digitalization, particularly concerns about transparency. It was surprising to see major companies handling crucial recycling communications via WhatsApp or verbally just a few years ago. But as SECONTRADE gained traction, it was naturally integrated into our partners’ workflows”, adds Reich.

SECONTRADE is designed for seamless transactions, making it easy for suppliers and buyers to connect. The platform charges only when materials are sold, with no ongoing costs or subscriptions, making it especially appealing for small businesses. Reich and her team also leverage their networks to broker specific deals, matching companies with needed raw materials.

“Digital technologies are crucial for a sustainable circular economy” says Reich. “Our platform ensures transparency, security, and excellent documentation, which is vital for legal compliance across Europe under strict EU-wide waste regulations.”

Since its launch, SECONTRADE has facilitated the trade of about 55,000 tonnes of secondary raw materials, among them aluminum, plastics, and FE-shredder, which are indispensable in everyday life and industry. Its success stems from meeting market demands and regulatory requirements, establishing it as a significant contributor to the European Green Deal’s vision for a circular economy.

After a major redesign and expansion in 2022, SECONTRADE continues to innovate by planning partnerships and collaborations to optimize trading of the latest additions to its portfolio, such as biogenic residues and construction waste. The platform’s approach has been well received, earning nominations for prestigious awards like the ÖGUT Environmental Prize 2023 and winning a pitch at the FM-Days, an industry event by FMA | IFMA Austria, in autumn 2022. At this event, Brigitte Reich and her team secured the audience vote with their vision, “Today’s waste is tomorrow’s resource.”

Since its launch, SECONTRADE has thrived in Vienna’s dynamic Green Tech startup ecosystem. “We’ve benefited greatly from interacting with other companies in the field,” says Reich. “These connections have led to joint projects, fostering an environment where small startups can thrive alongside large companies.”

Securing funding was not necessary due to SECONTRADE’s corporate background. However, Reich and her team received substantial support from the Vienna Business Agency in terms of positioning and marketing.

“There’s a lot of activity in Vienna’s Green Tech scene, and the city actively supports these initiatives,” Reich notes. Events like ViennaUP have been particularly beneficial, offering platforms for exposure and collaboration. The Vienna Business Agency has also facilitated collaborations, allowing SECONTRADE to participate in pitches and presentations across the city.

Events like ViennaUP have been particularly beneficial, offering platforms for exposure and collaboration. The Vienna Business Agency has also facilitated collaborations, allowing SECONTRADE to participate in pitches and presentations across the city.

As SECONTRADE looks to the future, its focus lies on expanding its reach and impact, driven by continuous innovation and a strong commitment to sustainability. The goal is clear: to make sustainable raw material management the norm.

“Sustainability is a driving force for us,” says Reich. By fostering a culture of reuse and recycling, SECONTRADE not only supports environmental goals but also helps stabilize the raw materials market in Europe, helping to ensure a resilient future.