Mette Roti Egli: Empowering The Transition To A Circular And Sustainable Future

Switzerland's education system is built on a foundation of innovation, precision, and global impact, and ETH Zurich embodies these values in every aspect of its academic and research pursuits. A magnet for students worldwide who seek excellence in education and research, ETH Zurich has leveraged this to build a proud alumni base, many of whom have left an indelible mark on the world. Mette Roti Egli, the Group Technology & Innovation Director at NG Nordic, is a notable example of the inspiring legacy of ETH.

During her time at ETH, Mette Egli was particularly influenced by the institution’s forward-thinking approach to technology and sustainability. Reflecting on her experience, she recalled the emergence of environmental awareness and the belief that technological solutions were key to addressing global challenges. ETH was one of the first universities to offer a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering, and for Egli, this program solidified her commitment to finding alternative solutions to environmental problems. Egli’s education at ETH was instrumental in shaping her analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities. She credits her time at the institution for teaching her how to critically assess problems, understand their underlying causes, and not just focus on the surface-level symptoms.

The Global Women Leader engaged in a one on one interaction with Mette Egli, let’s hear more from her. Can you share insights from your decade-long experience in environmental technologies and the power plant industry?

I have had the privilege of working with major global corporations like ABB, Alstom, and GE, delivering environmental technologies through EPC contracts across industries such as waste incineration, fossil power plants, and aluminum production. Over the years, I’ve held various roles in engineering, sales & tendering, project management, and, for the last decade, Managing Director. This diverse experience has given me a solid understanding of how organizations operate and the different organizational setups that exist.

Navigating complex organizations has been crucial to getting the information needed to perform effectively. I’ve learned that it’s not about knowing everything but about knowing who has the knowledge and how to access it. The next important skill is translating that knowledge into actionable solutions.

In my journey, working with environmental solutions initially felt like selling a costly necessity driven by regulations, something customers didn’t truly desire. However, over the years, I’ve witnessed a significant shift. Corporations are increasingly recognizing the value of ESG targets and credentials, which is a positive societal change.

Tell us about some of the key turning points from your two-decade journey.

Two crucial moments in my career stand out. Early on, I realized the importance of staying within the core functions of a company. In the ‘90s, as a female engineer in a men’s world, I was often steered into support-functions, but I had studied engineering to work in core functions, and I made sure to stay focused on that path. Second and many years later, I led a challenging restructuring in Norway where more than 50 employees were laid off, while the other half of the organization was planning for growth. Balancing empathy with motivation during this time was difficult. I chose to be authentic, show vulnerability, and admit how tough the situation was. Years later, I was able to rehire many of those laid-off employees, which reinforced the importance of being a decent, authentic person in leadership.

I’ve learned that it’s not about knowing everything but about knowing who has the knowledge and how to access it. The next important skill is translating that knowledge into actionable solutions

Can you tell us about NG Nordic and the key roles and responsibilities you handle as the Group Technology & Innovation Director?

NG Nordic is the result of a merger between NG Group and Fortum Recycling & Waste, becoming a Nordic leader in circular solutions and Total Waste Manage­ment. The company addresses climate change and resource scarcity by transforming waste into valuable resources and removing hazardous substances, help­ing to protect ecosystems and reduce emissions. With 90 sites across the Nordics, NG Nordic processes more than 4.4 million tons of waste annually.

As the Group Technology & Innovation Director, I lead the group’s strategic technology investments. My key responsibilities include two main areas: first, lead­ing decarbonization initiatives to identify viable solu­tions for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from our assets, such as waste incineration plants. Second, we focus on developing solutions that enhance value cre­ation from waste streams. This involves working with teams of scientists and developers to innovate and find ways to treat by-products while capturing and purify­ing valuable resources for reintroduction into the cir­cular economy.

What are the key technology focus areas driving growth for NG Nordic?

A major focus for us is our decarbonization program, which is crucial for ensuring NG Nordic remains a relevant and growing entity in the future. By effectively utilizing the resources in the waste we collect, and applying the right treatment technologies, we can support the group's continued growth. We are exploring solutions in both Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU). While there are various CCS/CCU technologies available, few are fully developed, and the capital requirements are substantial. However, a common factor among them is the need for large volumes to achieve economies of scale, making them viable for investment.

Through our Waste-to-material program, we recently achieved a significant milestone by producing the world’s first CO2-based biodegradable plastic material, INGA. The continued development of this innovative business is an exciting opportunity for us.

How do you envision the future evolution of circular solutions and environmental services, and what strategies has NG Nordic implemented to align with these emerging industry trends?

The scarcity of virgin materials is becoming a growing societal issue, and the emissions from the production of materials account for ca. 1/3 of global emissions. This shift means we now face two powerful drivers: emissions reduction targets and the increasing scarcity of resources. Personally, I believe the latter will become an even more dominant driver in the future.

These challenges can be addressed through circular economy principles, which create opportunities for new industries, job creation, and making Europe more self-sufficient in raw materials.

At NG Nordic, we take pride in ‘pioneering circularity.' Our strategy is centered on creating value from waste through bold, innovative approaches – together with customers and partners. As the scarcity of resources continues to rise, we remain focused on developing new solutions that maximize the value derived from existing materials, often referred to as ‘waste’.

Mette Roti Egli, Group Technology & Innovation Director, Ng Nordic

An experienced leader, Mette has previously worked for major global corporations like ABB, Alstom, and GE, delivering environmental technologies through EPC contracts across industries such as waste incineration, fossil power plants, and aluminum production. Over the years, she has held various roles in engineering, sales & tendering, project management, and general management.