The long-standing IFE representative Jarek Dąbrowski advises Polish prospectives and existing IFE customers with expertise and commitment. Now he has been joined by Dariusz Łańko. In this interview, they report on their success story, provide market insights and talk about their intensive collaboration.
With expertise and dedication, the long-standing Polish representative, Jarek Dąbrowski advises customers and prospects of IFE with his company H+J Biuro Techniczne.
Now, he has enlisted the support of Dariusz Łańko to ensure that IFE customers and interested parties can be served even better. Dariusz gained his first insights into the world of IFE at the Global Sales Meeting in September 2023 and at the environmental technology trade fair POLECO in Poznań in October 2023.
Since January 1, 2024, the 40-year-old former Technical Manager of a waste treatment plant has been employed by H+J Biuro Techniczne.
Let's take a look back first: Jarek, since when have you been working for IFE, and how has the Polish market evolved since then?
Jarek Dąbrowski: IFE has been active in Poland since the 1950s. I joined IFE as a representative in 2008. The Polish market has undergone remarkable development in recent years. My field of activity has largely shifted from heavy industry to the recycling sector, which now accounts for 70 – 80% of the market share. Over the past three years, I have also been heavily involved in marketing the IFE AEROSELECTOR, IFE's new compost processing solution, in Poland.
Why is the newly developed AEROSELECTOR particularly relevant for Polish customers?
Dariusz Łańko: The EU has set a target of recycling 60 % of municipal waste by 20301. According to a statistical survey, Poland’s household waste recycling rate was 40.3 % in 20212. By using the AEROSELECTOR, for example, the films contained in the biogenic portion of municipal waste can be extracted and fed into the recycling process. This helps to achieve the EU's recycling target.
Jarek Dabrowski: In 2023, the IFE AEROSELECTOR was awarded the Gold Medal for Innovation and Modernity at POLECO, the international trade fair for environmental protection. This highly prestigious award underlines the future-oriented approach of this solution. The number of impurities in raw compost is increasing. At the same time, our society is called upon to recycle raw materials and establish a circular economy. The AEROSELECTOR offers composting plants an effective and sustainable way to address both challenges.
What problems do Polish composting plant operators face?
Jarek Dąbrowski: Filtering out the mentioned plastic films from the raw compost is a significant challenge. Adam Kiełczykowski, director of the compost plant MPO3 Warsaw, comments on this in a video4: "We have everything under control in the process, except the films...".
Therefore, it is all the more important to publicize the IFE AEROSELECTOR widely, which represents the ideal solution to this problem. It enables the efficient separation of all important fractions (plastic films, stones, structural material, roots, metals) from the raw compost.
Further interesting details can be found in the interview5 I gave at POLECO 2023:
Dariusz, at the beginning of the year, Jarek brought you on board – when did you two first meet?
Dariusz Łańko: I became aware of IFE through my work as technical manager of a waste disposal plant in Olsztyn, northern Poland. The plant has an IFE VARIOMAT installed, which is used in a mixed waste line after the bio-drying process. With an impressive annual throughput of 100 000 tons of solid municipal waste, the screen plays an important role there. In 2023, Jarek came to the plant for service work on the VARIOMAT, and we made our first contact.
Dariusz, what was the determining factor in your decision to become an IFE partner?
Dariusz Łańko: The high quality machine solutions were clearly crucial. Robust construction, durability, low maintenance. These qualities make IFE machines one of the most economic. When I attended the Global Sales Meeting in the fall of 2023, I also noticed that there is a great atmosphere within the team. The employees are helpful and have extensive experience.
How do you typically manage and coordinate your business?
Dariusz Łańko: Through focus and planning. At the moment, I mainly concentrate on the waste and scrap processing sectors, spending most of the week visiting customers. With 15 years of experience in the waste industry, I am very familiar with these industries and the challenges faced by plant operators. The rest of the week is dedicated to coordinating appointments and administrative office work.
Jarek Dąbrowski: I would like to point out that IFE is of course not only specialised in waste processing, but is also active in many other areas of the bulk solids industry. A recent article on “KGHM ZANAM A.S.”, for instance, sheds light on ore processing in a Polish plant.
Regarding collaboration: We have daily phone calls and coordinate our travel plans in advance. I strive to pass on my knowledge to Dariusz as effectively as possible. Given the increasing workload, it was an important step to bring him on board.
Dariusz, could you share your plans for this year and how can our Polish customers get to know you?
Dariusz Łańko: At the beginning of the year, I first took the time to thoroughly familiarize myself with all IFE machines. The technical training that I completed in Austria was crucial for deepening my knowledge.
Attending the Ekorum Conference in Gdańsk (April 15 – 17) and the IFAT trade fair in Munich (May 13 – 17) were then the first important events to expand my new professional network.
The focus for 2024 will therefore continue to be on building relationships. I am also happy to engage in dialogue via the professional network LinkedIn.
Visiting a facility in person is particularly important. Customers can get to know me conveniently on site and I can find out directly about existing challenges. At the same time, I point out specific measures and solutions.
That sounds like intense workdays – where do you draw the necessary energy for the demanding everyday life?
Dariusz Łańko: My family provides me with a lot of support. Sport is another important source of strength for me. By incorporating various physical activities into my daily routine, I can unwind and find inner peace. I am an enthusiastic cyclist, swimmer and Stand-Up-Paddle fan. I also love winter sports, especially skiing and winter swimming. I also started playing squash this year and I really enjoy it.
Jarek Dąbrowski: I enjoy spending time with my daughter and wife, taking walks with my dog Misiu, and listening to Evergreens. Music helps me shorten long car journeys across the country from one customer to the next.
1 In German only: Nachhaltige Abfallwirtschaft: Maßnahmen der EU | Themen | Europäisches Parlament (europa.eu)
2 In German only: https://de.euronews.com/green/2023/10/18/europa-welches-land-ist-recycling-meister
3 MPO = Misja, Profesjonalizm, Odpowiedzialność (Mission, professionalism, responsibility)
4 Największa kompostownia w Warszawie (youtube.com)
5 Video @ Grupa MTP, Poznań