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.'

Loacker Recycling based in Wonfurt, Germany, is part of the Loacker Recycling GmbH family business headquartered in Götzis, Austria, and specialises in waste cable recycling.

The majority of players expect recycled polyethylene's (R-PE) tough trading conditions to continue into 2024 due to ongoing bearish macroeconomic conditions, although many expect this to improve compared with 2023.

The EEB welcomes the restriction of misleading green claims and labels, but urges action against barriers to repair.