AmCham Sweden Visits Hummeltorp: A Generational Journey Towards a Circular Future
At the end of August, AmCham Sweden and its members had the opportunity to visit the facilities of Hummeltorp – a pioneer in transforming surplus materials into high-quality, climate-smart resources for a sustainable future. The visit was very informative, offering insights into the generational journey of Hummeltorp and its founders, as well as how the company’s facilities aim to set a new standard in sustainable waste transformation.
We sat down with Christer Otterström, CEO of Hummeltorp, to learn firsthand about the company’s journey, its innovative approach, and its vision for a more sustainable future.
Christer Otterström is the third-generation CEO of Hummeltorp Sverige AB. The company was formally founded in 1973 by his father Bengt, but its roots go back even further to his grandfather Torbern and 1922, who laid the foundation for the business with pioneering soil production from agricultural waste and land care. Innovation and responsibility have been passed down through three generations, shaping Hummeltorp’s commitment to the circular economy.
Q: Hummeltorp is pushing the boundaries of recycling technology. Which innovations in the past five years have had the biggest impact?
A: Over the past five years, Hummeltorp has developed groundbreaking technologies to recycle ECM (Excavated Construction Masses) from a Global average of 3% recycling rate to stunning 96%. Our new Business Model is extremely cost efficient and very beneficial for the environment and society. We reduced carbon emissions from production by 95,5% and we have also significantly reduced eutrophication of waterways, lakes and seas by extract nitrogen and phosphorus from aggregate production (society's second largest emission source). We also developed new circular technology and methods for handling acid-generating rocks (one of the world's major environmental risks). Most of these innovations are central to making recycling more sustainable and scalable.
Q: In the past five years, have you noticed new demands from customers and partners in Sweden or the U.S. regarding sustainable construction materials?
A: Absolutely. Demand for recycled, eco-certified, and climate-smart products has increased significantly. Today, Hummeltorp recycles 96% and has a diversion rate of 99,3% of all incoming materials, we operate climate-neutrally, produce our own solar and district heating, and we have significantly reduced CO₂ emissions. These results show how seriously our customers and partners expect sustainability to be integrated into every product and process.
Q: What will be the biggest driver of change in excavation material recycling over the next few years, and how is Hummeltorp preparing?
A: Global sustainability targets and the accelerating shift toward circular economy models will drive the sector forward. At Hummeltorp, we are preparing by aligning with 12 of the UN’s 17 global goals and by building strong institutional collaborations in both Sweden and abroad. Developing scalable solutions for critical material recovery is key to our long-term strategy. As an example, our latest circular product is a replacement for artificial fertilizers and could be a game changer for fossil-free and organic healthy food production and has received the attention of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Our R & D department is now working to extract critical raw materials (CRMs) from excavation materials.
Q: Hummeltorp is supporting Los Angeles in the aftermath of wildfires and North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. What challenges do you foresee in international expansion?
A: International expansion requires adaptability, strong partnerships, and the ability to scale technology under pressure. Together with the Institute for Sustainable Development, we are building readiness and resilience to manage post-disaster mass handling, with offices in New York and Florida to support operations. The main challenges lie in local regulations and ensuring cost-effective implementation in completely new environments.
Summary
As the third-generation leader, Christer Otterström carries forward his family’s values of innovation and responsibility. By advancing recycling technologies, responding to growing demands for sustainable materials, and engaging in international development projects, Hummeltorp has positioned itself as one of Sweden’s leading material recycling companies—and a global partner for the future of circular economy.
Thank you Hummeltorp!
