The BIR has commented on the Council of the European Union's formal adoption of a new framework regulation for the European steel market.

The German steel and metal recycling sector is moving towards a new organisational structure. On 11 June 2026, the BDSV and the VDM signed a merger agreement that creates the legal basis for the Circular Metal Association (CMA). The new organisation will represent companies across the steel and metal recycling value chain in Germany and at European and international level.

TriPlast GmbH is expanding the safety infrastructure at its lightweight packaging sorting facility in Enns, Upper Austria. The company has selected AI-powered X-ray sorting technology from WeSort.AI to identify and remove hazardous contaminants at an early stage of the sorting process.

Europe continues to experience more frequent and severe heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires as climate change intensifies. To support adaptation efforts, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has published three new resources focused on climate resilience. The publications aim to help policymakers, local authorities and communities better understand climate risks and strengthen preparedness.

The IMPLICIT project is developing recycling processes for single-use auxiliary materials generated during composite manufacturing. The initiative focuses on recovering waste streams such as vacuum bags, release films and technical fabrics and converting them into secondary raw materials for industrial applications.

A Danish development project aims to improve the recovery of printed circuit boards and electronic components from end-of-life electronics. The initiative seeks to retain valuable materials and components within the economy instead of losing them during conventional high-temperature treatment processes.

The forthcoming EU ELV Regulation is expected to significantly affect automotive recycling and vehicle manufacturing supply chains worldwide. Industry representatives discussed the regulation and its implications during the latest meeting of the International Environment Council held on 3 June in Gothenburg.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) sets a lofty goal for recycled content invplastic food packaging. By 2030, contact-sensitive packaging (which includes food-contact applications) will need to contain 10% recycled plastic.

Ecomondo 2026 will take place from 3 to 6 November at the Rimini Expo Centre in Italy. The 29th edition of the event will focus on the circular economy, resource management, environmental technologies and industrial sustainability.

The stainless steel and special alloys sector continues to adapt to changing market conditions, evolving trade flows and new regulatory requirements. These themes dominated discussions at the latest meeting of the Stainless Steel & Special Alloys Committee of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), held in Gothenburg on 2 June.