BIR Malaga 2026 – Speaker announcement Opening/Keynote Session: Generation Future - building a recycling workforce for tomorrow
Keynote Session:
Generation Future: building a recycling workforce for tomorrow
The future of recycling will be shaped by the people who join our industry today.
The recycling sector is in constant evolution and is built on innovation, resilience and long-term thinking. While technology, regulation and market developments get a lot of attention, one question is becoming increasingly urgent: who will successfully drive our businesses, operations and leadership in the decades ahead?
As competition for skilled employees intensifies and younger generations bring new expectations to the workplace, attracting and retaining talent has become one of the defining challenges facing our industry. The companies that succeed tomorrow will be those that can inspire, engage and develop the workforce of the future.
We know what a powerful, dynamic and important industry we work in – one that is central to sustainability and a core pillar of the circular economy. The jobs we offer are the jobs of the future. But do the people we need to achieve our ambitions know enough about what we do and the brilliant opportunities and careers we offer?
For the Opening Session in Malaga, chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, BIR is delighted to welcome youth researcher and generational expert Simon Schnetzer.
Drawing on years of research into the attitudes, values and aspirations of younger generations, Simon will provide fresh insights into what motivates young people, what they expect from employers and how our businesses can position themselves as attractive workplaces in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Tailored specifically to the recycling industry through input gathered from BIR members, this keynote will go beyond theory to explore practical ways of connecting with future talent, strengthening employee engagement and creating working environments where younger generations can not only thrive, but create impact, for themselves and the world around them.
Whether your concern is recruitment, retention or leadership development, this thought-provoking session will challenge assumptions, spark discussion and provide valuable takeaways for anyone focused on the long-term success of their company and our industry as a whole.
About Simon Schnetzer
Simon Schnetzer is a youth researcher, keynote speaker and leadership coach specialising in generational change and the future of work. Since 2010, he has conducted extensive studies on the attitudes, values and aspirations of younger generations, helping organisations better understand what motivates young people and how workplaces must evolve to attract and retain talent. His research and advisory work have made him a sought-after speaker for businesses, associations and public institutions across Europe.