BIR Calls for Long-Term Commitment to Recycled Plastics
Plastic Recycling | 2026-06-10 05:52:49
BIR Plastics Division President Henk Alssema of Inviplast BV warned that relying on recycled materials only when virgin plastic prices are high creates an unstable environment for recyclers.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The industry leaders who spoke at the joint meeting of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Plastics Division and Tyres & Rubber Committee in Gothenburg, Sweden urged that ecycled plastics must be recognized as a strategic and sustainable raw material rather than a temporary substitute for virgin materials.
BIR Plastics Division President Henk Alssema of Inviplast BV warned that relying on recycled materials only when virgin plastic prices are high creates an unstable environment for recyclers. The sector has been witnessing stronger demand, following years of low prices, oversupply of virgin plastics, and recycling plant closures, due to higher virgin material costs on account of Middle Eat tensions.
Alssema stressed that sustained demand is critical to maintaining recycling capacity and encouraging investments in advanced equipment, innovation, and quality systems. He also highlighted the need for stronger policy support.
BIR Tyres & Rubber Committee Chairman Max Craipeau noted that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have reduced oil flows to Asia, boosting recyclate prices by 15-20%. However, he cautioned that buyers often abandon recycled materials once market conditions normalize.
Industry executives urged companies to secure long-term contracts and increase collaboration across the value chain to ensure continued growth of the recycling industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What message did BIR deliver regarding recycled plastics?
BIR urged businesses and policymakers to recognize recycled plastics as a strategic and sustainable raw material essential to future supply chains.
- Why has demand for recycled plastics increased recently?
Demand has risen due to higher virgin plastic prices, driven in part by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to global supply chains.
- What concerns did Henk Alssema raise?
He warned that purchasing recycled materials only when virgin prices are high creates market instability and discourages investment in recycling infrastructure.
