Georg Wendelin, a co-founder, former managing partner and longtime chairman of the supervisory board of Erema Group GmbH, died March 29 at the age of 84.
Wendelin was one of the recycling industry's pioneers. At a time when plastics recycling was barely nascent, Wendelin, together with Helmut Bacher and Helmuth Schulz, laid the foundations for the group of companies today known as the Erema Group.
In 1983, the partners launched their company, which focused on the design and construction of a new plastics recycling machine. Wendelin was known for his pioneering spirit, business acumen and his respectful and appreciative management style. He actively shaped the success of the company and took great pride in watching plastics recycling expand from a niche activity into a trend, and how the Erema Group became the driving force behind the circular economy, the company said.
In 2019, he was awarded the Golden Decoration of the Republic of Austria in recognition of his work.
Erema CEO Manfred Hackl said that Wendelin will be greatly missed "as a personality who was closely associated with us for all these years."
"Because of his humanity, he was a highly respected figure of leadership on all sides," Hackl said.
In a statement, Erema emphasised its gratitude for Wendelin's work, his trust and his unwavering involvement in the company.