Export restrictions, raw material shortages and rising costs are posing challenges for carbide production and processing in Europe: critical raw materials such as tungsten and cobalt are not only becoming more expensive, but are also increasingly difficult to procure. With the introduction of the Gühring Tool Circle, the carbide and tool manufacturer has been taking a decisive step towards independence since 2024. And today, it proves that raw material security and customer benefits can be sustainably combined.
Dependence on critical raw materials is not a niche issue: it affects countless industries, companies and supply chains. For countries that do not have their own primary raw materials, innovative recycling processes are the key solution. Keeping valuable resources in circulation not only strengthens security of supply, but also independence from exporting countries.
Carbide recycling at Gühring
Thanks to its own carbide technology and recycling facilities, Gühring is able to recover and recycle almost 100 per cent of raw materials from carbide scrap, all within Germany. “We are not only consumers, but also producers of carbide. By recycling worn out tools and other carbide scrap, we are not only securing our own supply, but also that of our customers,” explains Wilfried Hartmann, Product Manager for hard materials at Gühring. As the responsible use and long-term availability of natural resources are at the heart of its value creation, Gühring will remain a reliable partner for high-quality cutting tools in the future.
Added value instead of extra work
No recycling without carbide scrap: with this in mind, Gühring does not rely on short-term revenue models, but on full transparency, fairness and long-term partnerships. The current carbide market price is used to ensure a fair repurchase price. In addition, customers receive up to 15 % on top of the market scrap price with the bonus model, which is issued as a credit note for the purchase of new tools. The amount of the credit note increases with the use of services from a total of four sub-areas: there is already a 3 % bonus for pure carbide recycling. Customers who also purchase new tools, have tools undergo regrinding or use Gühring Tool Management receive an additional 3 %. Full participation in all four fields results in an additional bonus, which increases the total credit note to up to 15 %. “The path to carbide recycling must be simple,” explains Hartmann. “This is exactly what the Gühring Tool Circle stands for – with real added value for our customers.” As a certified waste disposal company, Gühring takes care of the entire recycling logistics, from collection to the preparation of a detailed sorting report. Customers do not have to worry about a thing.
You can find more information about the current carbide scrap price and our Tool Circle here.
Sustainability without compromise
The recycling process at Gühring not only conserves resources – it also sets new standards in CO₂ reduction. “In our Product Carbon Footprint Study, we looked at the production of carbide rods by Gühring KG in Kulmbach (Germany). Our results showed that carbide recycling at Gühring saves 64.8 % CO₂ compared to using commercially available carbide powder from primary materials. For us, it is clear that switching to secondary raw materials in carbide production and thus the issue of material cycles is the greatest way for saving CO2 emissions,” confirms the Inas Institute for Applied Sustainability. For the tools, it makes no difference whether the raw materials are freshly extracted or recycled. The new tools have the same quality.
One cycle, many advantages
With the Gühring Tool Circle, recycling becomes a strategic advantage. Secure raw materials, stable supply chains and reduced CO₂ emissions support sustainable value creation and strengthen competitiveness. A cycle that combines responsibility and benefit.
Illustrative calculation example:
50 kg of carbide scrap x 52 € market price per kilo + 15 % bonus achieved = 2,990 € credit note for new tools
If you have any questions about carbide recycling, please feel free to contact us at any time by phone at +49 7431 17-253 65 or by email to recycling@guehring.de
