BIR: a unified voice in a changing world

As I look back on the milestones of 2025, I do so with a sense of pride and admiration. Pride in what BIR has achieved as an organisation, and admiration for an industry that continues to demonstrate its relevance, resilience and responsibility in an increasingly complex world. In a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, resource constraints and shifting alliances, the global recycling industry has not only adapted – it has stepped forward. BIR’s role this year has been to help ensure that this collective effort is heard, understood and respected at the highest levels.

Our federation exists to serve a sector that provides the practical foundations of the circular economy. In 2025, BIR did so with consistency and purpose, reinforcing its position as a reliable international reference point. This has not been the result of any single initiative, but of sustained, co-ordinated engagement – by our members, our leadership and our Secretariat – across markets, regions and institutions.

Our strength has always come from unity, and that unity has been clearly reflected in our continued growth. Reaching almost 1100 members across 71 countries is not simply a numerical milestone; it is a reflection of trust. It shows that companies of all sizes, operating in very different economic and regulatory environments, continue to see value in a strong, independent international federation. The growing presence of members from Asia and the Middle East also mirrors a broader global shift, one in which recycling is increasingly recognised as a strategic component of industrial resilience and resource security. An 86% retention rate confirms that, in a time of rapid change, our members look to BIR for stability, perspective and collective representation.

Conventions at the heart of BIR’s mission

In 2025, the importance of inter-connectedness for our industry was perhaps most visible at our World Recycling Conventions. These gatherings remain at the heart of BIR’s mission, where business, advocacy and dialogue intersect. Valencia marked a historic moment, bringing together more than 2000 participants from 66 countries and setting a new benchmark for our events. That energy carried through to Bangkok, where nearly 1200 delegates joined us for our first-ever Convention in Thailand and made it the most successful October Convention to date. Beyond the impressive numbers, these events once again demonstrated BIR’s unique ability to connect markets, bridge regions and translate global strategy into real-world business opportunities, while extending our advocacy reach well beyond the event halls.

On the international stage, 2025 was a year in which recycling moved firmly into the centre of policy discussions. Our advocacy efforts, supported by a strengthened team, focused on ensuring that the voice of recyclers was heard where decisions are made. At the United Nations, the OECD and within the European Union, BIR has continued to engage constructively, contributing expertise rather than rhetoric. Our participation in the Basel Convention COP-17, the UN PACE II Working Group and the ongoing negotiations towards a Global Plastics Treaty reflects a clear objective: to ensure that recycling is recognised as an essential part of environmental protection, climate mitigation and fair global trade.

The same approach has guided our work at the OECD, particularly in discussions around decarbonisation and so-called “green steel”. As governments seek credible pathways to reduce emissions, BIR has consistently reminded policy-makers that recycled materials are not an alternative – they are a necessity. This message is increasingly supported by evidence. The near-completion of our Environmental Benefits of Recycling study with KPMG marks an important step forward. It will provide our industry with a robust, fact-based foundation to demonstrate its environmental value and to counter misinformation with confidence.

Visibility and representation

Alongside advocacy, our communications have continued to mature. Bringing the fourth edition of The Recyclist fully in-house was an important milestone, allowing us to tell our own story with authenticity and independence. Throughout the year, regular publications and an enhanced social media presence ensured that not only our members but also the wider public were kept abreast of our important initiatives, while increased media engagement helped position BIR as a credible reference point for the international press and stakeholders. The growing interest from media partners is not about visibility alone; it reflects a broader recognition of BIR’s role and expertise.

All of these achievements have been underpinned by careful and disciplined stewardship. The financial results for 2025 have strengthened BIR’s resilience and given us the confidence to plan for the future on solid ground. A record year, combined with prudent cost management, enabled the Executive Committee to take the deliberate decision to freeze membership fees for 2026 – fully aware of the economic pressures facing many companies across our industry. At the same time, we have continued to reinvest in new services, technical expertise and staff capacity, ensuring that BIR remains accessible, relevant and closely aligned with the practical needs of recyclers worldwide.

None of this would be possible without the collective effort behind it. I would like to sincerely thank our Director General Arnaud Brunet and his excellent team for their stellar work, as well as our Treasurer Dhawal Shah and all members of the Executive Committee and Advisory Council for their guidance and dedication. Above all, I thank our members: it is your daily work – in yards, offices and facilities across 71 countries – that gives meaning to BIR’s mission.

By the time this report is published, 2026 will already be well under way and quite likely the challenges facing our industry will not have diminished. However, BIR will remain strong, visible and determined to support you, our members. By continuing to invest in advocacy, data and services, we will ensure that the global recycling industry remains not only competitive but also recognised for what it truly is: an essential pillar of a sustainable and resilient global economy.