Recycling: Global Connections Boost the International Recycling Industry

According to the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), the association’s World Recycling Conventions facilitate global connections for driving forward the international recycling industry. Of course, this also applied to the recent BIR convention in Sweden. This event in Gothenburg was attended by 1,750 participants from 57 countries and more than 800 companies as well as 69 expert speakers and discussion participants.

In her opening address, BIR’s President Susie Burrage OBE confirmed “strong progress” for the world body across many of its areas of activity. In particular, she pointed to the organization’s strengthened advocacy push at the international level, which would ensure “the voice of the recycling industry is heard in key policy discussions”. The attendance in Basel Convention COP-17, the UN PACE II Working Group and the ongoing negotiations towards a Global Plastics Treaty would reflect the objective that recycling is recognized as essential to environmental protection, climate mitigation and fair global trade, Susie Burrage was cited. Furthermore, BIR intends to strengthen its communications outreach so that its messages can be more widely and deeply understood. “The Environmental Benefits of Recycling study, nearing completion with KPMG, will hammer home the message that ‘recycled materials are not an alternative – they are a necessity’,” the international association gave account. The study would provide the recycling industry “with a robust, fact-based foundation to demonstrate our environmental value and to counter misinformation with confidence”. Additionally, the BIR Academy video series, which is designed to share practical knowledge, would promote best practices and support education across the global recycling industry.

What is more, the increasing number of companies and national federations choosing to join BIR is seen as a sign of industry unity and trust in its work. “Companies of all sizes, in very different economic and regulatory environments, still see real value in a strong, independent international federation,” Susie Burrage was quoted. “It is also encouraging to see the growing presence of members from Asia and the Middle East, reflecting a broader shift: recycling is increasingly recognized as strategic for industrial resilience and resource security.”

It is hardly surprising that recycling is gaining ground internationally: China aims at more circular economy, as the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) outlines – inter alia – the country’s targets regarding its green transformation, meaning circular economy and decarbonization (page 16). And Zambia is aiming at green growth; the African country is progressing towards a circular economy as part of its corresponding strategy (page 22). In contrast, Cyprus’s waste
ma­nagement needs support and political will is required (page 19).

Trade shows expand their global reach, too. For the 2026 edition, Ecomondo (3 to 6 November this year) is further strengthening its international profile, intending to attract an increasing number of buyers, delegations, and industry associations from all continents (page 14).

We hope you get a lot of new and useful information from reading this current magazine.

Yours, Brigitte Weber