BIR to gather in Abu Dhabi

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) is preparing to stage its latest World Recycling Convention in Abu Dhabi from 22-24 October. Recycling International will cover the event.

The gathering of the global federation of recycling industries marks BIR’s first global event under the leadership of Susie Burrage, the first female president in its 75-year history.

More than 1 000 attendees from more than 500 businesses and 50 countries will have the opportunity to explore the latest trends and innovations in recycling commodities, market dynamics, and future projections.

Abu Dhabi is hosting a BIR Convention for the first time. Several events have already been held in Dubai, reflecting the region’s ever-increasing prominence within the recycling landscape.

Burrage is the third Briton to hold the presidency in succession having replaced Tom Bird at the end of his four years in office at the May convention in Amsterdam. Championing diversity across the industry, she emphasises the importance of inclusivity and innovation.

She says her choice of the convention’s opening session theme, ‘BIR – 75 Years and Beyond’, reflects a commitment to honouring the past while focusing on the future.

‘Honour’

‘I am immensely proud to lead this convention as the first female president of BIR, and it’s an honour to stand at the forefront of an industry that is increasingly breaking barriers.’

‘My vision is clear: I want to empower BIR members to be given the recognition they deserve as the cornerstone of a global circular economy, ensuring that raw materials from recycling can be freely traded across borders.’

‘Our goal is to make our voices heard by showcasing BIR and recycling as the sustainability-forward, innovation-rich, and economically vital industry that it truly is.’

Burrage says BIR is set to announce initiatives that will not only benefit its membership but also highlight how recyclers are ‘a critical cog’ in ensuring the long-term viability of the planet.

The keynote address will be delivered by futurist Matthew Griffin. His presentation, ‘Recycling the Future’, will consider the future with a specific reference to recycling, exploring how factors such as artificial intelligence, technological progress, and globalisation are impacting the sector.

Arnaud Brunet, director general of BIR, adds: ‘The BIR secretariat is working hard to offer our members and convention attendees a memorable experience, with excellent networking opportunities and relevant programme items and topics in an elegant and comfortable setting.’

‘I believe that our participants will enjoy the event, not least because of the renowned hospitality of the United Arab Emirates.’