The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has underlined the growing importance of recycling in global policy, resource management and industrial resilience. During the organisation's General Assembly on 2 June in Gothenburg, Sweden, BIR President Susie Burrage outlined the federation's recent progress in advocacy, communications, education, membership growth and financial performance.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) opened its latest world convention on 1 June in Gothenburg, Sweden, with more than 1,700 registered participants representing over 800 companies from 57 countries.

A coordinated plant train from Kleemann forms the core of this process chain, supporting the targeted production of defined aggregate fractions for reuse in asphalt mixing plants. The concept is complemented by application support and service structures within the Wirtgen Group portfolio.

At the meeting, Austria -supported by Germany and Lithuania- highlighted the sharp rise in fire incidents in waste management and recycling facilities caused by improperly disposed lithium waste batteries: 'During the summer of 2025, several major fires occurred in Austria and other Member States, each resulting in damages amounting to millions of euros - despite state-of-the-art fire prevention measures and infrastructure in waste management industries. These incidents highlight a significant and escalating safety risk for workers, severe environmental damage, and substantial economic losses for waste management operators.'

FEAD rejoices as the final trilogue on the Single-Use Plastic Directive yields a positive vote for a 30 % mandatory recycled content in all beverage bottles by 2030, with an intermediary target of 25% in 2025 for PET bottles.

In a bid to combat marine litter, Norway has submitted a proposal to restrict exports of plastic waste, by amending the Basel Convention.

If there's one item that epitomizes our modern world, it's plastic. It's easy to make and use but does untold damage, especially in Asia where rivers, lakes and oceans are literally choking on it.