BIR Malaga 2026: How EU Export Restrictions Threaten Metal Recyclers

Metal Recycling News  |  2026-10-28 06:17:07   |   By

Recycled copper accounted for approximately one-third of the raw materials used in global copper production in 2024.

Summary

  • Export Restrictions Could Undermine Recycling Investment

    Industry experts at the BIR World Recycling Convention in Malaga, Spain, warned that proposed restrictions on recovered metal exports could weaken recycling investment, reduce scrap prices and disrupt supply chains. The concerns were raised during the Non-Ferrous Metals Division session on October 26, 2026.

  • Recycled Copper Vital to Meeting Future Demand

    Research presented by Professor Frank Pothen of the University of Applied Sciences in Jena, conducted with Fraunhofer Institute colleagues, highlighted the risks of trade barriers affecting recovered copper. Recycled copper accounted for approximately one-third of raw materials used in global copper production in 2024, while worldwide copper demand is projected to reach 42 million tonnes by 2040.

  • Industry Calls for Better Scrap Processing and Reliable Supply Chains

    Experts cautioned that export restrictions could reduce market access, weaken domestic scrap prices, discourage collection and sorting, and limit funds for investment. ACIN chief executive Joan Campmajó urged recyclers to adopt technologies capable of processing lower-quality scrap, while La Farga's Georgeta Postas stressed the importance of a reliable value chain to convert Europe's urban mine into industrial raw materials.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Proposed restrictions on recovered metal exports could weaken recycling investment, lower scrap prices and disrupt supply chains, industry experts warned at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) World Recycling Convention in Malaga, Spain, on October 26, 2026.

During the Non-Ferrous Metals Division session, Professor Frank Pothen of the University of Applied Sciences in Jena presented research conducted with Fraunhofer Institute colleagues on trade barriers affecting recovered copper. The study highlighted the risks of limiting access to international markets.

Recycled copper accounted for approximately one-third of the raw materials used in global copper production in 2024. With worldwide copper demand projected to reach 42 million tonnes by 2040, industry representatives stressed the importance of strengthening recycling capacity.

Pothen warned that export restrictions could reduce sales opportunities, lower domestic scrap prices, weaken collection and sorting activities, and limit funds available for investment.

ACIN chief executive Joan Campmajó urged recyclers to invest in processing technologies to improve lower-quality scrap. Meanwhile, La Farga's Georgeta Postas emphasized the need for a reliable value chain to turn Europe's urban mine into usable industrial raw materials.

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