Max Craipeau Appointed President of BIR Plastics Division
The Greencore Resources executive succeeds Henk Alssema, bringing 20 years of recycling industry experience across Asia to the role.
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has appointed Max Craipeau of Greencore Resources Limited (Hong Kong) as President of its Plastics Division. He succeeds Henk Alssema of InviPlast (Netherlands).
The appointment was announced during the BIR World Recycling Convention and Exhibition in Malaga, held on 26 and 27 October 2026, following the opening day on 25 October.
A BIR member since 2011, Craipeau has chaired the organisation’s Tyres & Rubber Committee for the past eight years. He also serves on the Plastics Division board and contributes its quarterly market report covering Asia and Eastern Europe.
Two Decades of Recycling Industry Experience
Craipeau has 20 years of experience in the recycling industry across Asia. He began his career in non-ferrous metals under Marc Natan before moving into tyre, rubber and plastics recycling across the region.
In 2018, he established Greencore’s first plastic recycling plant in Indonesia. The facility now employs more than 300 people.
The Division’s Nominating Committee recommended Craipeau’s appointment to the board. As President of the Plastics Division, he will also join the BIR Executive Committee and serve as Vice-President of the organisation.
Focus on Fair Competition and Industry Collaboration
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Craipeau says: “I want to build on the excellent work Henk has done and ensure continuity while taking the Division forward. One of my priorities will be to continue pushing for a level playing field for recyclers. There are also clear opportunities to strengthen our links with other recycling sectors and material streams, including ELV and WEEE.”
His priorities include promoting fair competition for recyclers and strengthening cooperation across different recycling sectors. In particular, closer links with end-of-life vehicles (ELV) and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) could support collaboration across material streams.
BIR President Susie Burrage OBE welcomed the appointment and highlighted Craipeau’s experience and contribution to the organisation.
Ms Burrage adds: “I am delighted to welcome Max to the BIR Executive Committee. Having worked with him as Chairman of our Tyres & Rubber Committee, I have seen first-hand the energy, commitment and expertise he brings to BIR. His international experience and practical understanding of recycling markets will help strengthen the work of our Plastics Division and BIR as a whole. I am confident he will make a valuable contribution in his new role.”
She also thanked Henk Alssema for his work as President of the BIR Plastics Division and his continued support of the organisation over the past years.
Craipeau’s appointment comes as the recycling industry continues to focus on fair market conditions, stronger cross-sector cooperation and the development of recycling infrastructure worldwide.
