BDSV

What BDSV does

BDSV — the Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Stahlrecycling- und Entsorgungsunternehmen e.V. — is Germany's national trade association for steel recycling and disposal companies and the largest such association in Europe. Headquartered at Berliner Allee 57 in Düsseldorf and founded in 1997, the organization represents over 500 operative member companies engaged in collecting, sorting, processing, and marketing steel scrap for German steel works and foundries. BDSV operates under a registered-association (e.V.) governance structure led by President Andreas Schwenter (VENETO Schwenter GmbH), Deputy President Stephan Karle (Karle Recycling GmbH), Treasurer Stefanie Gottschick-Rieger (Falk Adler GmbH & Co. KG), and Managing Director Guido Lipinski, supported by a secretariat of approximately 10–15 staff and regional chairs covering Nord, Ost, Süd, Süd-West, and West. The association also operates the Fachgruppe Autorückmontage (FAR) for auto-recycling members and the Juniorkreis for next-generation operators.

BDSV's core products and services are delivered primarily through the Schrottplatz members-only intranet portal (prices, regulations, member directory, chat), the monthly BDSV Durchschnittspreise average-price index aggregated via IW Consult, a public CO2-Rechner calculator, and the Händlersuche dealer search tool. The association sets industry standards including the Stahlschrottsortenlisten (steel scrap grade classifications), supports ESN certification for member disposal facilities, and runs the iSM GmbH wholly-owned training subsidiary (established January 2021). Commissioned research from Fraunhofer IMW (Schrottbonus), Fraunhofer UMSICHT (Zukunft Stahlschrott), and RWI – Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (2024/2025 economic significance study quantifying €6.2 billion in annual savings and 46% scrap-based steel production) forms the evidence base for advocacy. Member benefits extend to framework agreements with legal (okl & partner, Pauly), insurance (AON, Marsh), and radiation-protection service providers (GHS Strahlenschutz, ncc Nuclear Control & Consulting), plus the annual Branchentreff Stahlrecycling conference and joint exhibition presence at IFAT.

Revenue is generated almost exclusively through annual membership dues, structured separately for ordinary German scrap-trading members and extraordinary foreign/service-provider members under private Beitragsordnung schedules. Secondary revenue streams include publication sales (e.g., Handbuch Legierter Stahlschrott at €18.80 plus shipping) and training fees through iSM GmbH. As a nonprofit, BDSV is not venture-backed, PE-owned, or publicly listed. On June 11, 2026, BDSV signed a merger agreement with VDM (Verband Deutscher Metallhändler und Recycler) to form the Circular Metal Association e.V. (CMA), which upon Vereinsregister entry will absorb both associations into a unified German/European voice for the steel and non-ferrous metal recycling industry.

Name

BDSV

Legal name

Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Stahlrecycling- und Entsorgungsunternehmen e.V. (BDSV)

Website

https://bdsv.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

BDSV is a Düsseldorf-based, nonprofit trade association representing over 500 German steel recycling and disposal companies — the largest steel recycling association in Europe. It delivers member services including market pricing data, training via its iSM GmbH subsidiary, regulatory advocacy, and commissioned research.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Düsseldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: BDSV generates revenue through membership fees from steel recycling and disposal companies. The association provides member benefits including access to market data (BDSV Durchschnittspreise), training services via iSM GmbH subsidiary, networking events, and industry representation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

BDSV (Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Stahlrecycling- und Entsorgungsunternehmen e.V.) is a German trade association representing over 500 operative member companies engaged in steel scrap collection, sorting, processing, and marketing. The association provides members with market data (monthly average prices), regulatory advocacy at national and EU levels, industry standards and quality frameworks, training via its iSM GmbH subsidiary, publications and studies, and networking events such as the annual Branchentreff.

Product overview

BDSV (Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Stahlrecycling- und Entsorgungsunternehmen e.V.) is a German trade association for steel recycling and disposal companies, operating as Europe's largest steel recycling association. The organization does not offer a unified software platform but provides a portfolio of member services centered around the Schrottplatz members portal (intranet with prices, publications, news, and chat), the BDSV Durchschnittspreise pricing service, and a CO2 calculator. Supporting offerings include publications (Schrottbonus and RWI economic studies, handbook for alloyed steel scrap), the iSM GmbH training subsidiary for continuing education, a media library with educational videos, a dealer search tool, and market data publications. The association also supports companies through the Fachgruppe Autorückmontage (Auto Dismantling Group) with approximately 90 member businesses.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• iSM – Institut für Schrott und Metalle GmbH: Training and continuing education provider for the steel recycling industry, offering seminars in commercial, legal, and practical areas. A wholly-owned subsidiary of BDSV e.V. since 1 January 2021.
• Schrottplatz

Products and services

• Schrottplatz (Members Portal) Online member portal providing access to current average scrap prices, market reports, publications, industry news, regulations, member directory, and communications chat functionality for BDSV member companies.
• BDSV Durchschnittspreise (Average Prices Service) Monthly average steel scrap prices (e.g., Sorte 1, 2/8, 3, 4, 5) in Germany reported by member companies to a neutral collection point and published for industry use.
• iSM GmbH Training & Continuing Education Training sessions and continuing education programs for the steel recycling industry covering commercial, legal, and practical areas, delivered through BDSV's wholly-owned subsidiary iSM GmbH.
• Handbuch Legierter Stahlschrott (Handbook for Alloyed Steel Scrap) A 102-page practical handbook for recycling professionals covering terminology and processing guidance for alloyed steel scrap, stainless steel, tool steel, super alloys, titanium, and other metals. Sold at €18.80 plus shipping.
• Schrottbonus Studie (Scrap Bonus Study) Research study quantifying environmental and climate cost savings of steel scrap recycling at €80-213 per tonne for carbon steel scrap and €158-502 per tonne for stainless steel scrap.
• RWI Studie - Volkswirtschaftliche Bedeutung der Stahlschrottrecyclingwirtschaft Economic study from RWI – Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung showing that steel recycling saves Germany approximately €6.2 billion annually in raw material and environmental costs.
• Studie Zukunft Stahlschrott (Future of Steel Scrap Study) Scientific study from Fraunhofer UMSICHT on the role of steel recycling in Germany's economy, establishing the industry as central service provider in the steel industry value chain.
• Händlersuche (Dealer Search) Online search tool to locate BDSV member dealers and disposal companies, allowing users to find certified steel scrap dealers across Germany.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6.2 billion EUR annual savings in raw material and environmental costs through steel recycling in Germany
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VDM - Verband Deutscher Metallhändler und RecyclercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 June 2026On June 11, 2026, BDSV and VDM signed a merger agreement to form the Circular Metal Association e.V. (CMA), creating one of the most significant associations in the steel and metal recycling industry in Europe. Both associations will cease as independent legal entities upon registration.
• Bureau of International Recycling (BIR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational presence through BIR, the world recycling association. BDSV representatives hold seats and votes in the BIR Ferrous Board, representing German steel recycling interests at the global level.
• Recycling Europe AISBL (EFR and Eurometrec)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean recycling associations for steel and non-ferrous metals united under the Recycling Europe AISBL umbrella. BDSV representatives are actively involved in various capacities.
• Klimaschutz durch Kreislaufwirtschaft e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative focused on climate protection through circular economy, particularly important for companies in North Rhine-Westphalia. BDSV engagement is extensive.
• KBS - Kreislaufsystem Blechverpackungen Stahl GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosed return system for commercial packaging made of tinplate, black plate, and chrome plate between manufacturers, trade, and recyclers.
• Fraunhofer IMW (Institut für Mikro- und Nanomaterialien)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for studies on scrap bonus quantification and environmental benefits of steel recycling. Fraunhofer IMW conducted 'Schrottbonus' and 'Schrottbonus Konkret' studies commissioned by BDSV.
• Fraunhofer UMSICHTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for comprehensive scientific study on steel recycling's role in Germany's economy. Commissioned the 'Zukunft Stahlschrott' study examining technical, economic, ecological, and societal factors.
• RWI - Leibniz-Institut für WirtschaftsforschungcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership for economic significance study of steel scrap recycling industry. RWI study (2024/2025) quantified annual savings of €6.2 billion and employment figures for the sector.
• ESN - Entsorgergemeinschaft der Stahl- und NE-Metall-Recycling-Wirtschaft e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCertification support for disposal facilities through the ESN certification scheme. BDSV supports member companies in obtaining certification.
• okl & partner Rechtsanwälte PartG mbBminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal advisory partnership providing initial legal consultations for BDSV members at no cost through the framework agreement.
• Pauly RechtsanwälteminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal advisory partnership for BDSV members providing initial consultations at no cost.
• GHS Strahlenschutz GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRadiation protection services for handling radioactively contaminated scrap materials.
• ncc Nuclear Control & Consulting GmbHminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNuclear control and consulting services for radioactively contaminated scrap, with offices in Berlin, Jülich, and Braunschweig.
• AON Versicherungsmakler Deutschland GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance framework agreement (BDSV pro) for operational insurance coverage offering cost savings for members.
• Marsh GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInsurance management for Cologne and Düsseldorf insurance agreements covering explosives, hollow bodies, and radioactivity in scrap.
• WKA - Wirtschaftskreis AltfahrzeugeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic circle of 15 major industry associations cooperating on vehicle recycling matters. BDSV's Fachgruppe Autorückmontage (FAR) cooperates with WKA.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bdsv_recycling
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCpfM42GCrR2UjR_72RwWHWA
• Facebookfacebook.com/bdsv.recycling

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about BDSV