News archive

The BIR has released “Understanding the LME”, the latest instalment in its BIR Academy video series “More Knowledge Together”. The initiative provides industry-focused knowledge on market mechanisms and policy developments relevant to the recycling sector and aims to support professional development across the global recycling industry.

The European Container Glass Federation has called on EU leaders to implement immediate measures to stabilise Europe’s industrial base. Speaking at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp on 11 February 2026, the federation expressed support for the Antwerp Call to Action and urged policymakers to address structural challenges affecting energy-intensive industries, including container glass.

As EU leaders meet on 12 February to discuss competitiveness, several civil society organisations have raised concerns about the direction of current policy discussions. They argue that proposals to revise or streamline climate, environmental and health legislation under the banner of “simplification” risk weakening established regulatory frameworks without addressing structural economic challenges.

The organisers of the Plastics Recycling Awards Europe 2026 have announced the shortlist of finalists. The winners of the seven awards will be revealed on 6 May at the Plastics Recycling Show Europe, where all the finalists will also be showcased.

Transport remains Europe’s most persistent climate challenge. Although rail offers a comparatively low-emission option for moving passengers and freight, road transport continues to dominate, keeping greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions at a high level. This is the key conclusion of a report published today by the European Environment Agency.

Specim, a Konica Minolta company, has introduced the Specim FX19, a high-speed push-broom hyperspectral camera for the near- and shortwave infrared spectral range from 1130 to 1920 nanometres.

In industrial plastic recycling and extrusion, system efficiency, thermal management and drive reliability are essential for stable continuous operation. FAE SRL, a supplier of electrical control panels and automation systems for OEMs in the plastics sector in Italy and Switzerland, required a drive solution capable of high power density and straightforward integration into modern control environments.

At Plast India on 6 February 2026, Erema and Lindner Washtech announced the establishment of EREMA India. The new joint sales and service subsidiary responds to the growing demand for industrial plastics recycling solutions in India. By combining washing and extrusion technologies, the company provides coordinated process solutions covering the full mechanical recycling chain.

Fornnax Technology has appointed a new sales partner in Germany as part of its expansion in Central Europe. The company has entered into a cooperation with Dieter Jerschl, who will represent Fornnax recycling equipment and solutions in Germany, Austria and selected neighbouring markets.

Two years after its launch on 1 February 2024, Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) demonstrates the role of digital infrastructure in operating a national circular economy system at scale. Since becoming operational, the scheme has processed close to 2.5 billion returned beverage containers, supported by an integrated IT platform managing data, transactions and reporting across the value chain.

BEWI has opened Norway’s first recycling facility for expanded polystyrene (EPS) at its insulation production site in Fredrikstad. The new plant enables the collection, processing and direct reuse of recycled EPS within the company’s local production of insulation materials.

Mozambique has issued its first waste recovery certificate through the Kolekt Exchange, marking an early step towards compliance with forthcoming Extended Producer Responsibility regulations. The certificate was issued by Topack, one of the country’s largest recycling companies and a long-standing partner of Kolekt.