BIR Spotlights Devastating Impacts of Coronavirus Crisis

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) noted that the coronavirus crisis has had devastating impacts on scrap recycling industry, especially on supply, logistics and sales.

According to Tom Bird, President, BIR, the organization is open for business as usual, subject to certain changes in mode of operation. In an attempt to ensure wellbeing and safety of its members, BIR had decided to postpone the May 2020 Annual Convention to until October.

The supply chain has been impacted badly on account of closure of several scrap yards and decision by several yards not to accept third party supplies. In addition, the closure of ports has badly impacted material flows. Furthermore, the rapid spread of the pandemic has led to sharp decline in commodity prices. The sale of scrap materials has witnessed substantial decline with the idling of several steelmaking facilities that used scrap as primary raw material for steel production.

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He noted that the recycling industry is faced with an unprecedented situation. The industry will make swift recovery, as the threats caused by the virus subside and life returns back to normal. The industry will continue to remain as an essential contributor to sustainable environment, he added.