In 2025, BIR represented nearly 1,100 organisations across 71 countries. The federation recorded particularly strong growth in Asia and the Middle East, while maintaining a membership retention rate of 86 percent. According to BIR, this development reflects continued demand for international representation, market information and networking within the recycling sector.
BIR also reported record participation at its World Recycling Conventions. The event in Valencia attracted more than 2,000 participants from 66 countries, marking the highest attendance in the organisation’s history. The convention in Bangkok, held for the first time in Thailand, welcomed nearly 1,200 delegates and highlighted BIR’s expanding international reach.
Focus on international policy
During 2025, BIR participated in policy discussions involving the United Nations, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Union. The federation contributed to negotiations linked to the Basel Convention COP-17, the UN PACE II Working Group and the Global Plastics Treaty process.
According to the organisation, these activities focused on strengthening recognition of recycling as a key component of climate protection and resource security policies.
Financial results support further investment
BIR described 2025 as one of the strongest financial years in its history. Based on this performance, the Executive Committee decided to maintain membership fees at current levels for 2026.
The federation stated that additional resources will support investments in services, technical expertise and staff capacity. BIR also continued to expand its communications activities in 2025, including the publication of two editions of The Recyclist magazine and further development of its digital channels.
In parallel, the organisation is supporting studies aimed at quantifying the environmental and economic contribution of the recycling industry to strengthen its advocacy work with data-based analysis.
