Ragn-Sells United #2 2016 by Ragn Sells

2nd ISSUE 2016

RAGN-SELLS ONE COMPANY NEWS

ONE COMPANY IN PRACTICE Estonia, Latvia and Poland are working together across borders.

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MEET OUR NEW CEO LARS LINDÉN

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I’M CONVINCED THAT THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR THE WASTE MANAGEMENT SECTOR.

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‘THE KEY TO IMPROVING PROFITABILITY IS THE ONE COMPANY APPROACH’ Lars Lindén took over as new President and CEO of the Ragn-Sells Group in August of this year. Following a comprehensive round of information gathering, the new CEO has built up his own impression of the various activities – and how they should be handled going forward. Digitalisation, innovation, circular economy and collaboration across borders are key factors in the future.

t was during spring that Erik Sellberg decided to step down from the position he has held since 2008 and devote himself exclusively to the role of Chairman of the Board. In August, his successor – Lars Lindén, who has a solid background from the IT and Telecoms industry, primarily in overseas positions – took up the reins. ‘I’ve been given a very warm welcome by RagnSells, and it feels great to be back in Sweden after spending 25 years abroad. Over the course of the first few weeks, Erik Sellberg introduced me to the staff and presented the Group’s different facilities and treatment plants in the Stockholm region. Since then, I’ve visited many other business sites in all of our markets. Generally speaking, I’ve been devoting myself to gathering information through visits, interviews and business reviews. I’ve also read many minutes of meeting and reports to help me build my own impression of the company.’ Performed analysis In all, Lars has completed more than 60 interviews, allowing him to getting to know the staff and hearing what they had to say about the company. With all this gathered information and opinions, a com-

prehensive analysis has been conducted that has had as ambition to determine how to best reinforce Ragn-Sells’ position even further over the coming years. ‘I’m convinced that the future is bright for the waste management sector – an industry where the authorities and legislators continue to raise the bar with regard to how we are to run environmental work and deal with waste in society. The sector will continue to be distinguished by high level of innovation, new technologies and significant investments. RagnSells holds a unique position in this market, backed by a solid business legacy and profound knowledge.’ Lars is quick to stress that he sees great potential in the future. ‘We are steadily growing, working with a large number of customers and interesting products and services. Moreover, we are at the forefront when it comes to innovative solutions. We are industry leaders thanks to our broad portfolio, and the fact that we are currently growing at a faster pace than the industry in general.’ By way of an example, Lars mentions cryo-technology, where Ragn-Sells has focused on taking on and handling hazardous waste. Another example is

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Lars Lindén took over as new President and CEO of the Ragn-Sells Group in August 2016.

the Oil Recovery Centre in Högbytorp, where the company has come up with technology for extracting high-quality oil from waste oil. ‘We should be proud of our current position, but we must also be realistic and self-aware. I can say here and now that profitability is an area we need to continue to work on. I cannot overstate how important it is that profitability remains a precondition for future growth.” Digitalisation important The challenge facing Ragn-Sells is to embrace the change implied in a digital society and to lead the industry transformation. ‘We have to position ourselves in a constantly changing market. Being a market leader – as we are – involves continuously renewing ourselves with regard to technology, the products and services we supply, our processes and operational efficiency. If not, our competitors will soon leave us behind. You could say that on the one hand, we need to refine and improve our existing processes and methods, while on the other, we have to move into new areas where we can be ‘first out’. ‘One new area is the digitalisation of society and

how we should tackle this phenomenon. We must not only digitalise our internal ways of working, but also digitalise the products and services we provide to our customers. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to reinforce our position on the market even further.’ Circular economy Another future issue for Ragn-Sells has to do with the circular economy. ‘A lot of people still think that waste management is simply about collecting garbage from private homes, but as we all know this is only a part of the picture. The toughest nut to crack is how to increase the level of recycling of waste from other players in society such as chemical industries, mines, incineration plants, the construction sector, factories and so on. Today, recycling is a matter of reusing all the raw materials drawn from nature, in order to avoid having to exploit new, virgin deposits of natural resources.’ ‘When it comes to the circular economy, we are still in the early phases of this transition, and the journey so far has been easier to handle than what lies ahead of us. We are sure to face demands for

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TODAY, RECYCLING IS A MATTER OF REUSING ALL THE RAW MATERIALS DRAWN FROM NATURE, IN ORDER TO AVOID HAVING TO EXPLOIT NEW, VIRGIN DEPOSITS OF NATURAL RESOURCES. Ragn-Sells, Väderholmens Gård, Sollentuna

LEADERSHIP Ragn-Sells Group Here is what Ragn-Sells can expect from Lars Lindén’s leadership: • Delegation with responsibility and accountability • Straight and frequent feedback • Team builder • Open door culture • Strive for employee satisfaction • ‘Walk the talk’ • Follow Ragn-Sells Group’s policies and directives • ‘Live’ the Ragn-Sells values: - Simplicity - Accountability - Holistic view - Go-ahead spirit.

more refined methods implying new capital investments and innovation in order to continue to develop the circular economy mind-set. We’ve done well so far, acting as a strong player, and we’re well positioned to succeed in the future as well. I would claim that Ragn-Sells has to a very large degree helped set the tone with regard to raising the awareness of the eco-cycling in society.’ A shared approach important Many of the future challenges in the industry will put new demands on our organisation and staff. That is why it is so important to transform to a more coordinated and overarching ‘ways of working’ which is encompassed in the ‘One Company Approach’. ‘Ragn-Sells has always been entrepreneurial in nature, and the company has long been permeated by this fact, which has helped us achieve the strong position we enjoy today. However, as we progressively become bigger and bigger as a company, we need to start ensuring cohesion to a much higher degree, and to apply a shared approach. It is a question of finding synergies and benefiting from economies of scale. We have to cut out duplication of work,

improve our efficiency and reduce cost levels. We have every opportunity to become a more efficient company by working more closely together. The key to developing profitability is ‘One Company’, where we all pull together, with clear goals and strategies.’

Ragn-Sells Group

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Estonia Denmark

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RAGN-SELLS EASTERN EUROPE

ONE COMPANY IN PRACTICE Estonia, Latvia and Poland are working together across borders. The working relationship in Eastern Europe is an object lesson in how to collaborate across national borders, benefiting from one another’s skills and knowledge. The Ragn-Sells operations in Estonia and Latvia are working together in a magnificent partnership that pays dividends for both companies. And even though the Polish market is slightly different to its Baltic counterpart, the working relationship is expanding, boosting the exchange of knowledge between the countries. ‘We are achieving more and learning from one another, benefiting from our individual strengths,’ explains Rainer Pesti, Marketing and Communications Manager within the Baltic organisation.’

agn-Sells moved into Eastern Europe when it purchased an enterprise in Estonia in 1992, making this the second overseas company after the one in Norway. At that time, Estonia had only just achieved independence. ‘The contrast between the Scandinavian countries and the states from the former Soviet Union was immense, both as regards technology and work culture. When Ragn-Sells moved into Estonia, the local population got to see a foreign refuse truck for the first time, and were introduced to the concept of plastic rubbish bins,’ relates Rainer Pesti. The company started small, setting up operations in the small town of Haapsalu (population: 12,000) on the west coast. Over the course of the 24 years that Ragn-Sells has been operating in Estonia, the company has become one of the biggest players on the recycling market, and one of only two companies that supplies its services throughout the country. ‘Today, Estonia is leading the way in the area of e-solutions, and already has excellent ICT solutions. Ragn-Sells Estonia is a leader in the field of CSR and a popular employer. Twice now, we have won prizes at the ‘Environmental Award of the Year’ event organised by the Estonian Ministry of the Environment. We have also been nominated for the ‘Most

Green Office’ award, and have won silver medals in the national CSR competition for the past three years.’ Latvian operations expanding Operations in the neighbouring country, Latvia, were launched in 2004 and are currently in an expansion phase. In recent years, the Latvian company has carved out a niche for itself in areas including medical waste and industrial cleaning. ‘Our ambition is to continue to grow steadily. The goal is to be one of the key opinion-builders in CSR and circular economy in Latvia as well,’ says Rainer Pesti. Over the past 18 months, the companies in Estonia and Latvia have started to work together more and more closely across the national border. ‘The operations in both countries have realised that we can achieve much more if we learn from one another and make the most of our respective strengths.’ At the half-year changeover in summer, the working relationship received an added boost when Rain Vääna took over as CEO for both countries and started to bind the two organisations even more tightly together.

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TODAY, ESTONIA IS LEADING THE WAY IN THE AREA OF E-SOLUTIONS, AND ALREADY HAS EXCELLENT ICT SOLUTIONS.

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THE OPERATIONS IN BOTH COUNTRIES HAVE REALISED THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE MUCH MORE IF WE LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER.

One Company in practice – here are the Baltic neighbours in a team building activity during the summer 2016.

‘We now run a number of shared functions and can draw on one another’s competences. The change also means that we can improve sales in both directions. The switch to a two-step organisation has already paid off,’ relates Michael Cederborg, Regional Director, Ragn-Sells Eastern Europe. Influencing the market The operation in Latvia, which is only a quarter the size of the Estonian company, has received extra resources thanks to its links with Estonia, and can therefore participate in purchasing contracts that were previously beyond its reach. The Estonian operation, in turn, has gained other opportunities to process medical waste – a niche area where the Latvian company is firmly established. Just two years ago, the area of medical waste was pretty much a monopoly in Estonia, but the market has started to change, largely on account of help from Latvia. The cross-border working relationship has, for example, helped us land contracts with two large hospitals in Estonia, and it influences the market as a whole. In return, Latvia receives assistance from Estonia in the areas of administration, IT, marketing and development, and there are all kinds of things

that can be transferred smoothly between the countries. In contrast to the Scandinavian languages, the Baltic languages are markedly different from one another. As a result, Russian is the lingua franca for cross-border dealings. ‘But it is no longer unusual to hear Latvian voices in Tallinn and Estonian in Riga.’ The Baltic neighbours have also begun to meet up for shared activity days during the summer. They also get together in network groups that involve Polish representatives as well. Reliable partner The third part of the Ragn-Sells countries in Eastern Europe is Poland, where operations were commenced in 2001. To start with, the company’s activities comprised landfill and waste management in the Gorzow Wlkp region. In the period 2003–2009, Ragn-Sells Poland was heavily involved in the production of biomass and wood chip, and operations in Poland were limited to a local area until 2011, when a new strategy was drawn up with the objectives of improving turnover, boosting knowledge and increasing geographical presence in Poland. ‘The company has shifted its focus and now pro-

RAGN-SELLS ONE COMPANY NEWS

In contrast to the Scandinavian languages, the Baltic languages are markedly different from one another. As a result, Russian is the lingua franca for cross-border dealings.

vides services for demanding industrial customers. In recent years, we have become a reliable partner for some of the most respected companies in Poland. At present, around 50 per cent of the company’s income stems from industrial enterprises,’ relates Pawel Salski, Sales and Marketing Manager at Ragn-Sells Poland. The Polish market is a little different from those of Estonia and Latvia, as it is distinguished by tough competition and demanding conditions. ‘The company operates on a broader market, with extremely high awareness of potential industrial clients. In order to meet their expectations, Ragn-Sells has tailored its operations specifically to the needs and technical specifications of its clients’ production facilities. The work often takes the form of supporting clients directly, with staff on site at their premises to supervise all the processes. Sometimes, Ragn-Sells becomes even more involved, providing work teams for waste management services in the fields of material segregation, machine handling, baling and minor internal logistics.’

But it is no longer unusual to hear Latvian voices in Tallinn and Estonian in Riga.

Working relationship increasing Although the business in Poland differs both stra-

tegically and operatively from those in Estonia and Latvia, the working relationship and exchange of knowledge among the countries has increased in recent months. ‘Some of the most important areas include communication and the exchange of ideas in the fields of sales, strategies and potential future development. The vehicle support programme coordinated by Elmo in Estonia allows both the Baltic states and Poland to benefit from trucks that were previously used in other countries.’ In exactly the same way as Rainer Pesti and Michael Cederborg, Pawel Salski is looking forward to seeing the working relationship between the countries develop even further. ‘Discussions concerning potential future methods and technologies in the context of helping the waste management industry develop on an ongoing basis appear to be particularly important. Some of the ideas put forward may prove to be extremely useful, even if they cannot be implemented immediately or transferred easily to other countries. This is because they provide insight into the growth of the industry, and should be viewed as input to help Ragn-Sells sharpen its competitive edge,’ he concludes.

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THE RAGN-SELLS SWEDEN PRINCIPLES OF ORGANISATION Ragn-Sells Sweden • Works in several different types of business, which makes different demands on management, structure and support. • Increased focus on management and follow-up with the emphasis on materials through material supervisors. • Critical mass required, so resources/functions sometimes shared. • Networks and working relationships crucial to success.

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RAGN-SELLS ONE COMPANY NEWS

RAGN-SELLS SWEDEN

A NEW ORGANISATION EQUIPPED FOR THE FUTURE A new, clear organisation divided up into four divisions with full business responsibility within their respective business areas. This is the result of the strategy work completed over the past winter and spring. The new Ragn-Sells Sweden organisation has been staffed and taken shape over the summer and autumn. ‘Our ambition is and has been to build up a more efficient organisation to accommodate new conditions,’ relates Helena Karlsson, CEO of Ragn-Sells AB.

I Helena Karlsson, CEO Ragn-Sells AB

t was during the spring that the first part of the strategy work for Ragn-Sells Sweden was completed. The focus of step two, which has been under way since June, is on organisational development. ‘Generally speaking, you can say that we have simplified the three-dimensional matrix organisation that we used previously. Instead, we will now be working with four divisions, each with full responsibility for its results.’ ‘The objective of the organisational development is to set up a structure adapted to suit our different business models, and to provide effective support for the implementation of our business strategy. Our businesses need different types of support if they are to succeed,’ explains Helena Karlsson. The four new divisions are entitled Recycling, Processing, Industrial service and Municipal partner. They will all have access to shared support functions in the form of Sustainability, HR, Communication, Finance and Purchasing. A new function – Business Development – has been set up to safeguard the quality and process work, and to focus on developing the range of products and services. The business development and support functions will be working closely with the divisions. One defining principle is that the divisions are to have full responsibility for profitability. ‘Each division now has responsibility for sales, production and business development – areas for which responsibility was previously spread between different parts of the organisation. Briefly put, we’ve simplified and clarified the organisation. One key concept is that mandate and responsibility go hand in hand.’

Comprehensive recruiting From June through October, the divisions have been built up through comprehensive recruiting processes. Many new appointments have been made, and recruitments have been performed according to the ‘waterfall principle’, where positions are filled from the top down – i.e. the jobs with highest responsibility are filled first. ‘It’s been a remarkably intensive programme with a tight timetable, which a lot of people have found stressful. There has understandably also been a fair amount of unease, which we have been aware of and tried to respect.’ One of the reasons for the demanding timetable is that the aim was to have a new organisation in place in time for 2017. ‘When we move into the next phase of the organisational development, we’ll be doing a lot of work on our processes, i.e. how we work to ensure a better flow that is both stable and more efficient. In order to succeed here, we also need to develop both our leadership and our ‘employeeship’, with our values as the foundation, and working relationships built on trust across boundaries. It’s a matter of doing our best to release the power inherent in all our employees.’ The new organisation has been well received following its introduction. ‘We now have an organisation that ensures good conditions. However, the key factor for success comprises our shared way of working and the flow, where we work together and create conditions for our employees to feel secure and to thrive at work,’ relates Helena Karlsson.

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RAGN-SELLS GROUP

‘WE SELL COMPETENCE’ RSM&CO SUCCESSFULLY HELPS OTHERS WITH THEIR SUSTAINABILITY WORK In step with the increasing stringency of legislation and market requirements, demand is rising for knowledge and guidance in the fields of the environment, quality, OHAS (Occupational Health Automated System), energy and sustainability. RSM&CO, a part of the Ragn-Sells Group, is providing precisely this – competence. The company’s consultants assist other firms in a wide range of sectors with their sustainability work.

iljökonsult was originally founded as a subsidiary within the Ragn-Sells Group in 1989. ‘Even at that early stage, we had already identified an opportunity to supply environmental audit services to customers. It was a new business opportunity and added value for both new and existing customers. Audits still make up a part of our core business. We help others with their sustainability work, explaining how to comply with legislation and market requirements, and how to work proactively with linking business benefit to the sustainability work,’ relates Daniel Doeser, CEO of RSM&CO. Miljökonsult has now become RSM&CO, following a number of acquisitions and re-establishments. At the start there were around ten people employed, but the company has grown substantially over the years. Growth really took off after 2000, and since then both new business areas and new geographical offices have been added. The latest

acquisition was made in 2015 when the firmly established Askengren & Co was incorporated into the company, almost doubling the staff from 40 to close to 70. Around 90 per cent of the assignments are related to the Swedish market, but RSM&CO do accept some assignments outside of Sweden. Broad background At a time when environmental requirements are rising and increasingly becoming a mission-critical issue for companies, RSM&CO is riding a wave of favourable conditions. ‘You could say that we sell competence in the areas of environment, quality, OHAS, energy and sustainability; all areas where there is a huge need for knowledge, consultancy and project management support. The sustainability is the largest single element, but the various areas often overlap’, says Daniel Doeser. ‘We have customers in almost all sectors, predominantly energy, construction, property and the

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MILJÖKONSULT HAS NOW BECOME RSM&CO, FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF ACQUISITIONS & RE-ESTABLISHMENTS.

The latest acquisition was made in 2015 when the firmly established Askengren & Co was incorporated into the company, almost doubling the staff from 40 to close to 70.

FACTS RSM&CO Founded: 1989 Provides: Consultancy services in the fields of the environment, quality, OHAS, energy and sustainability Turnover: Approx. SEK 70 million Number of employees: Close to 70

manufacturing industry.’ Around 80 per cent of the business is classical consultancy services, where RSM&CO takes on an advisory role, or a project manager role. Staffing services are also provided, where customers can rent an environmental manger. Time-wise, an assignment can cover everything from a few days to several years. Most consultants employed at RSM&CO have a broad, multidisciplinary background. Civil engineering and sustainability specialist are the most common qualifications. Specialists are brought in as sub-consultants when spearhead competences are required for specific issues. Market-leading web service Another service that the company supplies, and which is playing an ever-increasing role, is a digital tool developed by RSM&CO. ‘Here, we are actually market leaders in that we supply a web service for monitoring legislation in the fields of the environment and OHAS. Companies can subscribe to this service, concentrate on their core ac-

tivities and use the service to stay up to date with all the latest news’, continues Daniel. ‘And our training courses constitute another important part of the business and serve as a strong channel for new sales. We provide both open and company-specific training.’ Almost 95 per cent of the work done by RSM&CO is for external customers. The management team at Volvo Cars, for which RSM&CO is providing training in sustainability issues, and Svenska Kraftnät (Swedish National Grid), which is receiving help with infrastructure issues, are two examples of large and important customers. The remaining five per cent is devoted to Ragn-Sells. ‘For example, we support Ragn-Sells Sweden with its sustainability reporting. We also help a great many of Ragn-Sells customers. However, we are looking to do a lot more work within the Group, generating value for the Ragn-Sells customers. The fact that we belong to a group that is a market leader in recycling is a huge advantage that we need to leverage even more’, concludes Daniel.

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RAGN-SELLS GROUP

NEW INTRANET OPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES A shared portal featuring functions that facilitate everyday work – the new Ragn-Sells intranet opens up opportunities for its users. In addition to the company’s own page, users can now access news from other companies in the group. Moreover, the solution comprises the entire Microsoft suite, as well as shared workspaces.

The new intranet is called ‘Ragn-Sells United’. Each country will have its own start page featuring a news stream, important links and a blog function. (Above: Ragn-Sells Group and Ragn-Sells Recyclables).

here were previously two large basic systems for internal communication: one intranet for Sweden and one for Norway and Denmark. Employees of Recyclables, RSM&CO and RSGIT were only able to access the system operating in the country where they were based. There was also a separate intranet for Estonia, Latvia and Poland. ‘We have tried setting up Group-wide intranet solutions before – Groupnet and Recnet – but there was insufficient activity, which meant that they never achieved the effect we were looking for,’ relates Jonatan Andersson, Project Manager. In order to come up with a shared portal with high user intensity, the company launched a project last year targeted at building up a new intranet. ‘We did so by creating a broad navigation solution where all countries and subsidiaries have their own intranet with the same appearance. From all start pages, users can access the pages of any other company in the Group without encountering authorisation issues. This means that if you have a Ragn-Sells account, you can access everything – irrespective of whether you have logged on from work or home.’ Great shared workspaces Jonatan has been working since January to create the new platform and fill it with content. To help him, he has called on representatives from all companies in the Group, who will have editorial roles and duties from now on.

‘The new intranet is called ‘Ragn-Sells United’. Each country will have its own start page featuring a news stream, important links and a blog function. The idea here is for us to be able to adapt the page so that it suits the respective company, even though we are working with a shared intranet.’ The new system is based on Microsoft SharePoint, which means that through the intranet, users can work with all programs they have access to, no matter where they may be working from. ‘When you log onto the intranet, you simultaneously log onto your Ragn-Sells account. We will have an amazingly good Workplace portal with shared workspaces where users can work internally within a given department, between the different companies, and even with external customers.’ New websites Ragn-Sells United, the company’s new intranet, was launched on 22 November in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, and for RSM&CO, RSGIT and Recyclables. Estonia, Latvia and Poland will shortly be connected to the new system as well. The next project will be to do the same for all websites; i.e. create a new, shared web platform, with a shared appearance. Norway is first in line, with the other countries to follow. ‘The new websites will feature a completely different functionality than previously; for example, they will be much better adapted to mobile devices. The platform is upgraded to the latest version and is cloud-based, which makes it an excellent base to grow with,’ says Jonatan Andersson.

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‘ONE COMPANY’ COMMON INFRASTRUCTURE

The Customer Portal has now been running for approximately three years and it is an established application among our customers. This solution is also supported by Verksamhetsförvaltning in Sweden who provides support not only to Sweden, but also to Norway.

RAGN-SELLS GROUP

AX4 END OF LIFE, AND THE NEW ERP

CRM ONLINE

RAGN-SELLS GROUP

CUSTOMER PORTAL NORWAY, DENMARK AND SWEDEN – ONE COMMON INFRASTRUCTURE One important step in bringing all companies in the Rang-Sells group together has been to consolidate the software and hardware. Up until now every country has run their own applications in their own server environment. During the past year Ragn-Sells Group IT (RSGIT) have put a lot of effort into preparing for the move of Norway, Denmark and Sweden unto a common platform. The actual migration took place in the end of October and was a success. Current agreement with the service provider in Norway is now ended and this means a better consolidation of cost. Work now continues to further develop a common IT infrastructure within the Ragn-Sells group.

OFFICE 365 About a year ago RSGIT started upgrading the office environment from “Exchange on site” to the “Office 365 cloud solution”. The migration was done without any user notification. The migration to Office 365 provides the users access to a whole new platform where Mail, OneDrive, SharePoint Online, Skype for Business and Office Online are all integrated. All these services are online services and they are accessible through the internet wherever you are and through all types of devices. Skype and SharePoint are software that have fairly recently been implemented and RSGIT will continue to build on these new collaboration platforms. OneDrive is every users’ personal home storage. OneDrive for Norway and Denmark was launched in October, and Sweden is planned to be rolled out next.

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RAGN-SELLS GROUP

During September the final developments of Ragn-Sells current ERP-system (AX4) were performed. This system has reached its’ “end-of-life” and now move into a pure maintenance mode. The focus forward is therefore to continue to prepare for a successful development and launch of the new ERP (business support system) solution. A highly anticipated and much longed for upgrade. A restart of the project was made during the autumn to ensure a more business driven requirement specification to be based on the common business processes that are to be developed during 2017.

In April 2015 the CRM application (Customer Relationship Management) was launched in Sweden and a two-way integration with the current ERP-solution was set up. In November 2016 the same application was launched in Norway. To support the CRM users a common cross country business support function has been established. The function is run by the Verksamhetsförvaltning team in Sweden. This is the first common solution where we now also have common support resource in the business. The CRM application is an online service and accessible from wherever you are which makes it easy for the sales representatives to access the solution.

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SHE’S HUNTING DOWN DOWNSTREAM DEVIATIONS With a background at the Norwegian Environment Agency, where she worked as an expert in international legislation regarding waste transport shipments, the new Environment and Quality Manager at Recyclables is a true asset to the Ragn-Sells Group. “I know the rules and regulations about exporting waste inside and out, and I’m familiar with the environmental legislation in Norway, the EU and farther afield internationally. I will most certainly be putting all this knowledge to good use at Ragn-Sells,” confirms newly appointed Magdalena Kwarta.

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Magdalena Kwarta is the new Environment and Quality Manager for Recyclables, and is based in Oslo.

eviations related to cross-border transports are a major issue at Ragn-Sells, particularly at the Recyclables company, which sells recovered material at global level. Deviations are costly, so identifying them at an early stage is a priority assignment. ‘It’s important to emphasise that the European rules and regulations concerning the exporting of waste are among the ten toughest ever drawn up by the EU. It isn’t easy to follow such a complex set of rules – a set that leaves so much room for interpretation. This has resulted in shared European legislation being implemented differently in all the member states,’ explains Magdalena Kwarta, the newly appointed HSEQ Manager at Recyclables, who is based at the Oslo office. The recruitment of Magdalena was quite a coup, given that she has a solid background from employers including the Norwegian Environment Agency. ‘I’ve spent the past seven and a half years working for the Norwegian Environment Agency – the first five as coordinator for the work on transfrontier shipments of waste (TFS). I then moved to the monitoring department, where I worked as an inspector. My responsibilities included monitoring and auditing Norwegian companies for compliance with environmental law. I’ve worked in all kinds of areas, including smelting and shipyards. I’ve dealt with importers and resellers of both consumer products and timber. And finally, I’ve worked with landfill sites, waste storage and treatment facilities and exporters of waste.’ Expert in legislation During her time with the Norwegian Environment Agency, Magdalena was called upon as an expert in international legislation on TFS to work on assignments handed down directly by the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and by the EU Commission. She has represented Norway in the Nordic Council of Ministers, appearing as the Norwegian expert on TFS. She was also the Norwegian representative and contact in the EU Commission’s working group for the European Waste Shipment Regulation, and in the European network IMPEL (European Union Network for Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law). ‘As an employee of the Norwegian Environment Agency, I’ve learned to take a critical look at all kinds of things; it also taught me that you can learn a lot by asking the right questions. I know the rules and regulations about exporting waste inside and out, and I’m familiar with the environmental legislation in Norway, the EU and farther afield internationally. I will most certainly be putting all this knowledge to good use at Ragn-Sells.’ Magdalena is originally from Poland but moved to Norway in 2007. She loves challenges – irrespective of whether they may have to do with helping improve the environment, or taking part in a demanding mountain bike competition. In fact, cy-

cling is one of her great loves, and she is a successful mountain bike competitor. ‘I love challenges and see the role of HSEQ Manager at a leading waste management company as an extremely exciting assignment. Environmentally sound waste management helps reduce the manmade ecological footprint and cuts emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Ragn-Sells is a company with a rich history and skilled staff. I am convinced that the work we do has a positive impact on the environment – so of course I want to be part of it!’ Reduce deviations As Recyclables’ principal assignment is to export waste to other countries, the existing complex legislation makes it easy for misunderstandings to arise when other countries interpret the same regulations differently. Other sources of common deviations are poor material quality and transport deviations. ‘My main focus as HSEQ Manager will be to eliminate the background for making mistakes so that we can seriously reduce deviations.’ ‘You have to remember that waste is in great demand as a resource, but that unfortunately, a large number of unprofessional players in the industry are keen to cut corners at the expense of the environment. As a serious operator in the industry, RagnSells has an obligation to support the environmental authorities in their efforts to weed out the unprofessional players and help build up a healthy, sustainable and competitive market for waste.’

The new Environment and Quality Manager is not afraid of challenges – neither professional nor sporting. Magdalena Kwarta is a successful mountain bike competitor.

RAGN-SELLS UNITED 2nd ISSUE 2016

RAGN-SELLS SWEDEN

RAGN-SELLS AB TAKES THE LEAD IN WORK TO ACHIEVE SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL GOALS Aligning national environmental goals with own sustainability work has proved to be a successful approach. Ragn-Sells is an excellent example, and this autumn the company was recognised by the Swedish Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for its sustainability report. Through its work on three environmental objectives in particular, the company has taken the lead in highlighting the environmental work of the business community.

he Swedish EPA is responsible for the Swedish environmental goals – 16 in all – and the business community has a key role to play in achieving these goals. Against this background, the Swedish EPA has chosen to highlight four companies as good examples of how work on the environmental goals can be carried out in the business community. Ragn-Sells is one of the four. ‘Our vision is to be ‘Living proof that care for our planet and good business go hand in hand’. We have always worked according to this motto, but it is only now that we have chosen to report and showcase our work with the important issues the environmental goals actually are,’ says Viveke Ihd, Environmental Strategist at Ragn-Sells AB. The Ragn-Sells sustainability report for 2015 presents ten environmental quality goals, where three are prioritised. ‘We’re pioneers, in that we’ve incorporated the environmental goals into our Sustainability Report. Previously, we didn’t explain the link between our own environmental work and the national environmental goals – but we do now. In fact, we work on a daily basis with issues that affect several of the environmental goals, primarily Reduced Climate Impact, A Good Built Environment, and A Non-Toxic Environment,’ she adds.

International model Ragn-Sells is also introducing a new approach in its sustainability work by publishing the report digitally in the form of a website. In addition to the content itself, the company has focused on both form and presentation, which, in turn, has improved accessibility. ‘We have chosen not to print the sustainability report, preferring a more modern presentation that causes less environmental impact and is easier to keep up-to-date. We have done so following an international approach to publishing that is becoming increasingly common: GRI G4 – which is a kind of template for sustainability reports,’ explains Eva Bivall, Environmental Manager at Ragn-Sells. The sustainability report has also attracted the attention of Annika Helker Lundström, Swedish National Environmental Objective Coordinator for the business community. ‘In its sustainability report, Ragn-Sells clearly demonstrates which three environmental goals are most significant to the business, and which measures the company has adopted to help achieve these goals. Showcasing its environmental work in this way makes it more tangible for stakeholders, who can easily see how the Ragn-Sells activities are making a contribution to what needs to be done in the field of the environment,’ says Annika Helker Lundström.

RAGN-SELLS ONE COMPANY NEWS

RAGN-SELLS GROUP

ESTONIAN PRIME MINISTER RECOGNISES RAGN-SELLS In the refined company of Swedish heavyweights including Ericsson, Telia, Swedbank and Nordea, RagnSells was one of the companies Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas called on during his autumn visit to Sweden. During his visit, he thanked the firm for contributing to growth and development in Estonia.

The Ragn-Sells sustainability report for 2015 presents ten environmental quality goals, where three are prioritised.

On 11 October, Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas visited Sweden, where he met senior executives from Swedish companies with operations in Estonia. The purpose of the visit was to thank these enterprises for the contribution they have made to the Estonian economy – and to encourage them to increase their investments in Estonia. The companies involved were Telia, SEB, Swedbank, Nordea, Tele2, East Capital, Ericsson – and Ragn-Sells. “Many of these companies have a long history of running operations in Estonia. We have grown together, and they have contributed to the growth of our economy and our society,” says Taavi Rõivas. During the official dinner, the Estonian Prime Minister had time to talk to Erik Sellberg, Chairman of the Board of the Ragn-Sells Group. Taavi Rõivas showed Erik examples of smart e-solutions – an area in which Estonia is at the cutting edge. On his visit, the Prime Minister was accompanied by a corporate delegation comprising representatives of 31 companies.

On 11 October, Estonian Prime Minister Taavi Rõivas visited Sweden, where he met senior executives from Swedish companies with operations in Estonia.

RAGN-SELLS UNITED 2nd ISSUE 2016

RAGN-SELLS ONE COMPANY NEWS

RAGN-SELLS SWEDEN

OIL RECOVERY CENTRE GENERATES NEW OPPORTUNITIES Recovering oil is nothing new for Ragn-Sells, but the new oil facility in Högbytorp opens up all kinds of opportunities – both for the company itself and for the environment. The Oil Recovery Centre has the capacity to handle larger volumes than before, as well as dealing with other oil types from industry and producing a cleaner end product.

t was the ‘hazardous waste’ business area that took the initiative to establish the new Oil Recovery Centre in Högbytorp. The construction work on the new facility was started in 2014 and completed this summer. ‘We’ve previously been able to deal with waste oil from car workshops, for example, but the new facility allows us to take care of oil types from vessels and industry – opening up the possibility of handling new volumes that we couldn’t previously process. We remove water and pollutants from these types of oil, and actually finish up with a cleaner end product than previously,’ explains Martin Tengsved, Head of Production Support at the Processing Division in Sweden. RSM&CO was responsible for project management, while Recond Oil supplied the process and PEAB handled the construction. Much of the equipment used in the process was delivered by Alfa Laval, which has extensive experience in separation technology involving centrifuges. ‘There is one other facility like this one with similar technology in Sweden, but this is the

most modern and features the latest technology. The process combines heat, chemicals and centrifuge processing. Different technologies are applied depending on the nature of the oil in question, and it is possible to combine them in various ways.’ Once the oil has been cleaned, it is sold and reused or processed to release its energy – fully in line with Ragn-Sells’ circular economy philosophy. ‘The recovered oil is primarily used for incineration, where it replaces other oil fuels. Previously, these types of oil were simply burned to destroy them, but they can now be used as actual fuels instead.’ Ragn-Sells’ investment in the Oil Recovery Centre, opens up the opportunity to work with a host of new customers. ‘The work going forward is focused on finding the right sorts of oil and determining how best to run the facility so as to maximise its value. The operating staff at Högbytorp will be the key component in this work,’ concludes Martin Tengsved.