At UNTHA America, our people are the driving force behind everything we do. With their knowledge, passion, and commitment to excellence, we’re able to deliver the industry-leading shredding solutions that our customers know and love.So, each month, we shine a spotlight on one of our colleagues with a quickfire Q&A.
This time, it’s the turn of Charlotte Fischer, sales manager East, at UNTHA America. So let’s dive in…
1. How did you first get into the world of waste?
My introduction into the world of waste was a sales job I had in college selling prime and off-spec resins. That early exposure gave me a strong foundation in understanding how materials move through the supply chain, which naturally evolved into a career focused on waste, recycling, and equipment solutions.
2. What’s one waste material you think deserves more attention in the US and why?
I think construction and demolition waste is still underutilised in the US. In many states, it still goes straight to landfill despite containing valuable materials like concrete, metals, wood, and plastics – which could be recovered and reused.
3. Which UNTHA machine is your favorite, and why?
All of them! The UNTHA range is so versatile, with machines specifically designed to handle a wide variety of materials and applications.
4. What’s been a personal highlight of your career so far?
Being fortunate enough to work with great mentors that have helped me build my knowledge and experience in commodities and equipment.
5. What’s one skill or quality that you think will help you thrive in the UNTHA America team?
A strong understanding of input materials and the offtake channels they move into, which helps ensure efficient processing and maximum value recovery.
6. What’s your go-to way to unwind after a busy workday?
Spend time with my dogs out on the trails.
7. The phone rings, and it’s your dream customer – who is it?
A multi-site operator with a real throughput problem – high volume, growing demand, and existing equipment becoming a bottleneck. Something that UNTHA America can really get involved with and make a difference.
8. What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?
Always keep your cool, and don’t take anything personally.
9. What’s something you think will change the shredding or wider waste industry over the next 10 years?
I think the biggest change will be the shift to automation and circular economy. AI-driven sorting and smarter system integration are going to push facilities to recover more value from material, not just process it. That changes how shredders are used. They become part of a fully optimized recovery system, not just standalone equipment. At the same time, trends like ITAD moving toward reused instead of destruction, and smarter, data-driven operations will reshape demand across the industry.
10. And finally, UNTHA operates worldwide — if you could work from another global office for a month, where would you choose and why?
Austria – so I could see the machines being built first-hand, and make the most of weekends exploring and travelling across Europe.