Burrage backs young and female talent

The incoming president of the Bureau of International Recycling has pledged to encourage greater participation by young people and women.

UK based metal recycler Susie Burrage, BIR’s first female president, spoke of her determination to harness new talent as she took over from Tom Bird at the global recycling federation’s 75th birthday convention in Amsterdam. She is also seeking to boost its paper, textiles and plastics divisions.

Burrage told the general assembly, which elected her unanimously, that she would endeavour to promote accountability and responsible leadership at all levels. While attending industry conferences around the world, she said she had seen ‘many potential young leaders aspiring to serve within their home associations and on the global stage.

‘During my term in office, I hope to connect with many of you, harness the enthusiasm of youth, and see how we can work together to promote and represent the world of recycling. I will certainly be looking to increase the presence of young traders and their involvement in BIR structures and governance.

‘Unsurprisingly, after smashing the BIR glass ceiling today, I will be looking to encourage more talented women to participate and be members of committees.’

Burrage also looked forward to continuing relations with national associations and federations to further develop united messaging around Recycling.

‘For 75 years BIR has been facilitating international trade, many deals have been done but also many friendships have been made at our first-class world recycling conferences. During my tenure, I hope to welcome more members to our BIR family, so we can all make more mutually beneficial business relationships.’

At the same meeting, BIR formally said farewell to Ross Bartley, who retired after 27 years as director of trade and environment and received the longest standing ovation of the convention. Both during the general assembly and in other sessions, senior BIR members paid fond tributes to Bartley’s work with regulatory and other bodies around the world. Bird noted that BIR’s ‘entire advocacy work fell on his shoulders’ and the organisation owed him a big debt.

Bartley responded: ‘It’s been a fantastic life and I’ve really enjoyed it. Now I leave the stage.’ Afterwards, he told Recycling International he didn’t think many people realised just how wholly committed and engaged he had been during his 27 years.
In a report on BIR finances, secretary general Arnaud Brunet reported a surplus of nearly EUR 500 000 in the last year when the original budget had anticipated a loss of EUR 90 000 as the organisation recovered from the effects of pandemic. Brunet said a surplus of EUR 137 500 was expected in the current year. He added that this would help fund, among others, a new advocacy position and the recruitment of a communications agency to help boost BIR’s messaging.