At recycling facilities, these batteries pass through several sorting stages before ending up in the ferrous metal fraction alongside other materials. Their small size, irregular shape, and mixed composition make reliable separation difficult. As a result, batteries contaminate metal streams, reduce material value, and increase fire risks during downstream processing.

The joint operation will provide services for large energy-storage and electric vehicle batteries. Its activities include transport, storage, dismantling and second-life assessment. The company states that it can process all battery chemistries.

The Micromat Series IV will be shown with a multicut rotor for processing materials such as big bags and textiles.

The combined event brings together stakeholders from the waste management, recycling, secondary raw materials and circular electronics sectors. With a single registration, visitors gain access to all four exhibitions and their associated conference programmes. Attendance for both the exhibition and conference is free of charge.

Speaking at the Plastics Division plenary session, Alev Somer, BIR Trade & Environment Director, explained that the 2022 proposal would be subject to another round of talks, known as 5:2, in August this year. The aim of the planned treaty, she said, was to develop a legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution. It would cover plastics for both single use and long-term use and, within the proposals, the recycling of plastics was in sharp focus. Ms Somer explained: "Since 2022, we at the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee have been discussing reaching the ultimate goal of a plastics treaty that would address the whole life cycle of plastics and actually perhaps support the recycling industry. This treaty would address plastic pollution not only at land but also at sea."

During the first day of the event, under the section focused on international legislative developments and trends, Juan Ruiz, from Plastics Europe, warned of the critical situation facing plastic production in Europe: ageing infrastructure, rising energy costs, and loss of competitiveness compared to other global regions. Ruiz pointed to the importance of the Global Plastics Treaty as a key tool for establishing common standards to enhance circularity and competitiveness in the sector.

The scene was set by Ritesh Maheshwari of India-based Shabro Metallic Pvt Ltd through his summary of the latest BIR World Mirror on Stainless Steel & Special Alloys. Signs of recovery in Europe's stainless steel market had been derailed by US tariff announcements, and first-quarter financial reports from a number of major European mills had indicated a decline in margins.