About us
As a subsidiary of ZIREC Kabelaufbereitungs-GmbH, we specialize in the processing and recycling of plastics from cable recycling.
What once began as a visionary idea is now a modern, forward-looking company. We produce single-type plastic fractions and process them into high-quality recycled plastic products for various industries.
With a passion for technology and a high-performing team, we continuously develop innovative solutions that strengthen the circular economy and conserve valuable resources.
Company history of KUMETA GmbH
1978
Beginnings in cable recycling
The roots of KUMETA trace back to the Zieringer family’s cable processing business. In the late 1970s, our former managing director Karl Zieringer began to actively develop cable recycling alongside the traditional scrap metal trade. With great dedication and entrepreneurial foresight, he laid the foundation for the company’s modern recycling concept.
From the very beginning, he recognized the immense potential of discarded cables: in addition to copper and other valuable metals, he viewed the plastic insulation not as waste but as a valuable resource to be reintegrated into the materials cycle. This forward-thinking approach continues to shape our commitment to sustainable and resource-efficient recycling today.
1983
Start of plastics processing and production
In the early 1980s, Karl Zieringer conceived the idea of using the plastics recovered from cable recycling to create new products. This led to the development of baseplate panels for road and construction site safety made from recycled cable plastics—a completely new and innovative application at the time.
In 1983, this idea was implemented, and serial production of the first baseplate panels began. For the first time, plastics from the recycling process were transformed not only into reusable material but into durable, long-lasting products for traffic and construction safety.
In the first year alone, around 13,000 baseplates were produced and successfully sold—a remarkable achievement for an entirely new product. With this innovation, ZIREC became the first German company to deliberately use plastics from cable recycling for traffic and construction safety products, laying the foundation for KUMETA’s entry into the field of plastic recycling and establishing an important step toward a sustainable materials cycle.
1991
Founding of KUMETA GmbH
Building on this success, Karl Zieringer founded KUMETA Kunststoff- und Metall Aufbereitungs-GmbH in 1991 as a wholly owned subsidiary of ZIREC Kabelaufbereitungs-GmbH. This marked another milestone in the company’s development.
KUMETA continued the production of the baseplate panels, constantly improving the products. At the same time, the company increasingly focused on processing and reusing plastics recovered from cable recycling.
Step by step, KUMETA evolved into today’s manufacturer of recycled plastic products. From the very start, the company’s development has been guided by sustainable use of raw materials and environmentally conscious production practices
2005
Comprehensive technical modernization
In the 2000s, KUMETA pursued a thorough modernization and expansion of its infrastructure. Older halls and workshops were fully renovated, a new production hall was built, and storage capacities were significantly increased.
At the same time, the entire machinery was updated with the latest technology. New extruders, shredders, and sorting systems greatly enhanced efficiency and production volumes. These modernization measures not only optimized manufacturing processes but also helped reduce emissions and energy consumption.
KUMETA thus combines technical performance with systematic recycling management, achieving efficiency, quality, and environmental responsibility in equal measure.
Today
Looking to the future
Today, KUMETA has established itself as a modern specialist in plastic and metal processing. At our headquarters, plastics and metals are carefully sorted to ensure the highest quality recycling.
In addition to our proven baseplates, the company continuously develops new recycled products. Sustainability, efficiency, and quality are at the heart of all our activities. With passion and innovation, we create solutions that conserve resources while providing customers with durable, high-quality products.
KUMETA today embodies the combination of technical expertise, responsible recycling management, and forward-looking product development—a philosophy that will continue to guide the company for decades to come..
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