Launching the "One Voice" manifesto: A collective vision for the global recycled materials industry
Dear BIR members,
We are proud to share the BIR "One Voice" manifesto- our industry’s collective vision as a cornerstone of manufacturing, economic resilience and sustainable development.
For nearly 80 years, BIR has united the global recycling industry around one conviction: materials do not lose their value at their end of life. As governments redefine industrial policy around climate neutrality and circularity, recycling is no longer peripheral; it is foundational, a manufacturing activity producing raw materials on a par with their virgin counterparts. This manifesto is our unified call to action for policy-makers, businesses and communities.
Why it matters
The global recycled materials industry is a strategic global asset. Economies and manufacturers worldwide rely on access to raw materials and high-quality feedstock. Recycled materials can diversify supply while strengthening competitiveness and supply chain security. They also cut energy use and emissions, making them one of the fastest, most scalable decarbonisation levers available. However, trade restrictions adopted without proper analysis and also inconsistent regulations risk undermining the very progress we have built.
The “One Voice” manifesto outlines seven key policy priorities to ensure our industry can continue to innovate, invest and drive decarbonisation at scale.
- Recycled content targets: Driving circularity by securing stable, market-driven demand for recycled inputs.
- Balanced EPR schemes: Ensuring Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks support environmental goals while preserving open, competitive markets.
- Fostering innovation: Advancing sorting and recycling technologies, including AI and robotics.
- Clear definitions and robust standards: Keeping the focus on material recovery and maintaining public trust.
- Policy alignment: Integrating trade, environmental and climate policies so high-quality recycled materials can circulate efficiently worldwide.
- Inclusive dialogue: Ensuring transparent, evidence-based cooperation between regulators and the industry to prevent negative unintended consequences.
- Design for recycling: Working with manufacturers at the earliest stages of product development to reduce design complexity.
We encourage all members to read, share and utilise this document within your own networks to champion the strategic role of recycling on the global stage. You can download the manifestohere.
BIR will continue to actively and globally advocate on behalf of recyclers by promoting open and fair trade, and by pushing for the recognition of recycled materials as strategic assets. In this way, we are looking to secure the future of global circularity.
Thank you for your continued dedication, investment and partnership as we speak with one voice for our industry.
Alev Somer
Trade & Environment Director
