‘Fingers crossed’ as global scrap scene prepares to meet again

The Bureau of International Recycling will hold its 2022 conventions in Barcelona and Dubai, the world recycling organisation’s director general Arnaud Brunet confirms in his New Year message.

‘We are already working hard to organise our two in-person conventions scheduled this year – in Barcelona in May and Dubai in October,’ says Brunet. ‘Fingers crossed, but if the planets align they will be a great success.’

BIR has been greatly challenged by the Coronavirus pandemic. No physical conventions have been held for two years although BIR members were able to meet in Brussels in 2021. ‘Our October event in Brussels was a huge success, beyond our expectations despite the travel restrictions and health regulations,’ Brunet adds.

‘It was a pleasure and a relief to see so many smiling faces… underneath the masks.’ Despite difficult circumstances, he insists BIR will continue to defend the industry and promote its our added value. ‘We have a responsibility and we will deliver. BIR will fight any unnecessary or unreasonable regulation and restriction that would limit our ability to operate in a free trade environment and hence miss the objectives of a true circular economy.’