The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of record achievements, expanded advocacy efforts, and continued growth for the global recycling industry.
Under the presidency of Susie Burrage OBE, BIR’s membership reached nearly 1,100 organisations across 71 countries in 2025, demonstrating the federation’s growing global influence and industry trust. The organisation recorded particularly strong growth in Asia and the Middle East, while achieving an 86% retention rate among members.
The year also marked a major milestone for BIR’s World Recycling Conventions. The Valencia Convention welcomed more than 2,000 participants from 66 countries, setting a new attendance benchmark for the organisation’s international events. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Convention, BIR’s first event in Thailand, attracted nearly 1,200 delegates and reinforced the federation’s expanding international presence.
BIR continued to play an important role in global policy discussions by representing the recycling industry at the United Nations, OECD, and European Union. The organisation contributed expertise to the Basel Convention COP-17, the UN PACE II Working Group, and negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, reinforcing the importance of recycling in climate action and resource security.
Financially, 2025 became one of the most successful years in BIR’s history. This strong performance enabled the Executive Committee to freeze membership fees for 2026 while continuing investments in new services, technical expertise, and staff capacity. The organisation stated that this financial stability will support future innovation and sustained growth for the recycling sector.
BIR also expanded its communications initiatives during the year by publishing two editions of The Recyclist membership magazine and strengthening its digital presence. In addition, the federation continued investing in studies designed to measure the environmental and economic contributions of the recycling industry, supporting its advocacy efforts with robust data.
“I am very proud of what BIR achieved for its members in 2025, and I commend our industry for its resilience and adaptability in these uncertain times,” says BIR President Susie Burrage OBE. “BIR remains committed to advancing our members’ interests and strengthening our collective voice globally as we promote recycling as an essential pillar of the circular economy.”
“Our record membership growth in 2025 is a clear sign that recyclers worldwide are looking to BIR for representation, market intelligence and invaluable networking opportunities,” adds BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet. “We will keep building on this momentum – expanding and strengthening our global community.”
The 2025 Annual Report will be available at the upcoming BIR World Recycling Convention in Gothenburg, while member companies will also receive printed copies by mail.
