BIR Singapore 2024 – Check out the Paper Division programme
Paper Division:
Global recovered paper markets: resilience amid port strikes, energy costs and evolving demand
Join us at the upcoming plenary session of the BIR Paper Division dedicated to the latest trends in the recovered paper market, where industry experts will shine a light on the ever-shifting landscape in the different world regions. The US East Coast and Gulf State strikes posed a major risk to US recycling exports, as these ports handle over half of US recycled material exports. While the resolution brought relief, US mills continue to grapple with reduced demand, full inventories, and occasional downtime. In Europe, high energy costs and weak demand - especially from the packaging sector - have forced many mills to extend shutdowns into the third quarter. Exporters are also facing challenges in key markets like India, Indonesia, and Vietnam, due to high transportation costs and currency volatility. This session will also explore the contrasting trends in India, where the paper economy continues to surge, and discuss the fluctuating demand across Southeast Asia. With China’s demand for recycled pulp and finished products influencing the region, the recovered paper market faces ongoing complexity.
Don’t miss this highly relevant session about how geopolitical, logistical, and economic factors are shaping the global market. The session will be chaired by divisional President Francisco Donoso, of Dolaf Servicios Verdes.
Speakers and Panelists
John Atehortua is Founder of RAW - Recyclables Around the World, a company dedicated to the trade and recycling of materials on a global scale. His work focuses on improving the international trade networks for recyclables, particularly in emerging markets.
Mr Atehortua’s efforts aim to strengthen global recycling operations, leveraging his expertise in logistics and material sourcing to build a more sustainable global recycling infrastructure. His innovative approach has gained attention for increasing the efficiency of material reuse and reducing waste.
Mr Atehortua will give a presentation on the European recovered paper market.
Jun Park is A
sia Sales Director at VIPA Group (SGP), an organisation involved in international recycling and waste management solutions. His expertise lies in managing global recycling operations with a focus on streamlining logistics and material flows.
VIPA Group operates extensively in the field of recycling paper, plastics and other materials, with an extensive international reach. Mr Park's knowledge of both Asian and Western markets has helped the company navigate complex global supply chains while promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
Mr Park will report on the market situation in USA and Japan and provide an update on the European EoW regulation.
Ranjit S. Baxi, Managing Director of J & H Sales International Ltd (GBR), is a prominent figure in the global recycling industry, with over 30 years of experience trading recycled materials worldwide.
Past President of BIR and Honorary President of the organisation’s Paper Division, Mr Baxi is a thought leader in the field of recycling and sustainability, contributing to industry journals and speaking at global conferences.
Upon his initiative, Global Recycling Day was created and is now celebrated internationally every year on 18 March.
Mr Baxi will cover India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in his presentation.
Simone Scara
muzzi holds the position of Sales and Purchasing Director at LCI SRL (ITA), a company active in the European recycling market. He has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the paper and recyclables sectors, particularly in Europe, where fluctuations in energy prices and demand have impacted operations.
Mr Scaramuzzi's role involves navigating these challenges while helping his company export more to global markets, as local demand in Europe has slowed. He frequently speaks on market trends, providing insights into the future of the industry and its recovery from recent volatility.
Mr Scaramuzzi will focus on the South-East Asian markets.