BIR ‘One Voice’ Manifesto Calls for Stronger Global Recycling Policies
Metal Recycling News | 2026-07-16 06:14:51
The manifesto positions recycling as a core manufacturing activity that produces raw materials comparable to virgin resources.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has unveiled its new “One Voice” manifesto. The manifesto presents a shared vision for the global recycled materials industry and calls for stronger policy support to expand circular manufacturing and decarbonization efforts.
The manifesto positions recycling as a core manufacturing activity that produces raw materials comparable to virgin resources.
BIR warned that trade restrictions and inconsistent regulations could weaken investment and innovation across the recycling sector. The organization urged governments to adopt coordinated policies that allow high-quality recycled materials to move efficiently through global markets.
The document sets out seven policy priorities for the industry. These include market-driven recycled content targets, balanced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, greater investment in sorting and recycling technologies, and clearer material definitions and standards.
Other priorities focus on aligning trade, environmental and climate policies, encouraging transparent cooperation between regulators and industry stakeholders, and promoting design for recycling.
BIR said it will continue advocating for open and fair trade and for the recognition of recycled materials as strategic resources essential to global circularity.
The “One Voice” initiative comes as many countries accelerate efforts to build circular economies and reduce dependence on primary raw materials.
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Which policy would have the greatest impact on boosting global recycling?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BIR's
It is a policy framework outlining a unified vision for the global recycled materials industry, promoting circular manufacturing and recognizing recycled materials as strategic resources.
- Why is BIR concerned about trade restrictions?
BIR believes that trade barriers and inconsistent regulations could reduce investment, limit innovation, and disrupt the global flow of high-quality recycled materials.
- What are the key policy recommendations in the manifesto?
The manifesto calls for market-based recycled content targets, balanced EPR systems, investment in recycling technologies, harmonized material standards, policy alignment, stakeholder collaboration, and design for recycling.
