The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) opened its World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2025 in Bangkok with a powerful message: the recycling industry stands at a historic turning point as geopolitics, sustainability, and technology reshape the global economy.
The Opening Session, chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, featured keynote speaker Juan Verde, an international strategist and advisor to US Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton. Verde assured delegates that the sustainability agenda remains strong, only “re-labelled,” with recycling continuing as a critical global driver.
Global Shifts and Industry Transformation
Verde’s address explored three major areas:
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The rise of China as a global superpower.
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Technological shifts, including AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and space tech.
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The evolving future of sustainability and recycling.
He noted that competition between global powers is fueling demand for critical materials. “This is transforming the world economy — and your industry — in ways we cannot yet fully grasp,” Verde said. As countries adopt “friend-shoring” and bring supply chains closer to home, recyclers stand to benefit from renewed investments in local recycling capacity.
“This new protectionism will force nations to invest unimaginable sums in recycling infrastructure,” he explained.
Sustainability and Economic Opportunity
Despite political changes, Verde emphasized that sustainability remains non-negotiable. “Even the arrival of a president who does not believe in climate change will not stop the green revolution,” he said. “It might slow down, but it will not reverse.”
He cited President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which injected billions into green initiatives, as proof of long-term industry resilience. Verde believes this direction will persist, backed by private sector innovation focused on resilience and competitiveness.
“Sustainability is not being phased out — it’s being re-labelled,” he said. “You are in the right industry at the right time.” He added that the market for recycling critical minerals is expected to grow 15% annually until 2033, making it the fastest-growing segment in recycling. Between 2019 and 2024, global investment in recycling and the circular economy exceeded US$160 billion, a 40% increase in five years.
A Kairos Moment for Recycling
Verde concluded with an inspiring note: “This is a Kairos moment — a time of opportunity when everything changes. The recycling industry is not just making the world greener and healthier but also safer and more peaceful.”
During the Q&A, former BIR President Tom Bird warned that the race to net zero is financially straining many in Europe. Verde agreed, urging Europe to create space for private sector innovation, calling the continent “overregulated and suffocating.”
BIR’s Strongest Year Yet
Opening the convention, Susie Burrage OBE led a moment of silence in memory of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. She expressed pride in being the first BIR President to host a convention in Bangkok, calling the city’s energy “the perfect backdrop for global recycling collaboration.”
“With more than 1,100 participants from 58 countries, this event reflects the growing strength of our industry,” she said. “Without open international markets, recycling cannot thrive or invest in the innovation that drives progress.”
Burrage also announced that BIR has reached the largest membership in its 77-year history. The next BIR World Recycling Convention will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 1–3 June 2026.
