What major challenge is the global plastics recycling industry currently facing?

European recycling facilities are reducing production or idling operations due to drastically lower virgin polymer prices, with ~1 million tonnes of capacity expected to disappear this year.

Who will present at the plenary session, and what topics will be covered?

Presenters include Henk Alssema (market overview), Patcharin Thamasirianunt (Thai market insights), Max Craipeau (Asia’s recycling outlook), and Bianca Mannini (UN Plastics Treaty updates).

Will there be a panel discussion?

Yes, an interactive panel moderated by Henk Alssema will feature all speakers plus Olivier François, Chairman of the BIR International Environment Council.

BIR Plastics Division to Host Plenary Session to Tackle Global Plastics Challenges

Plastic Recycling | 2025-10-08 22:59:51

The session will open with a market overview by Henk Alssema, President, BIR Plastics Division.

By Paul Ploumis

BIR Plastics Division to Host Plenary Session to Tackle Global Plastics Challenges

Summary

BIR Plastics Division will host a plenary at World Recycling Convention 2025 in Bangkok to address global plastics challenges.
European recycling facilities face closures or reduced output due to low virgin polymer prices, with ~1 million tonnes capacity expected to vanish this year.
The session will feature market overviews, regional insights, UN Plastics Treaty updates, and an interactive panel discussion.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Plastics Division will host a plenary session at the upcoming World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2025 scheduled to be held in Bangkok, Thailand. The session will look into the challenges facing the global plastics industry and demonstrate how effective policy actions could drive further progress.

The challenges faced by global plastics industry

According to BIR, the global plastics industry is at a critical crossroads. Several recycling facilities across Europe are being forced to reduce production or idle operations, mainly due to drastically lower virgin polymer prices. By the end of the current year, around 1 million tonnes of annual capacity are expected to disappear.

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The session will open with a market overview

The session will open with a market overview by Henk Alssema, President, BIR Plastics Division. Patcharin Thamasirianunt, Union J. Limited will give a presentation, sharing insights from Thai market. Max Craipeau, Greencore Resources Ltd., will provide a regional perspective on Asia’s plastics recycling outlook, assessing challenges and opportunities for growth.

What follows the opening session?

Also, Bianca Mannini, BIR Trade & Environment Policy Officer, will deliver the latest updates from the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations held in Geneva this August and their impacts on plastic recyclers across the globe.

The presentations will be followed by an interactive panel discussion moderated by Henk Alssema. The session will feature all the speakers and Olivier François (Chairman of the BIR International Environment Council) as a guest panelist.

POLL

What is the key outlook for the global plastics recycling market, considering current challenges and opportunities? Options:

Growth potential — Opportunities exist despite challenges, especially in Asia and emerging markets

Stable but constrained — Market will continue at current levels with limited expansion

Policy-driven turnaround — Effective regulations and UN Plastics Treaty actions could boost recycling

Frequently Asked Questions

What major challenge is the global plastics recycling industry currently facing?
European recycling facilities are reducing production or idling operations due to drastically lower virgin polymer prices, with ~1 million tonnes of capacity expected to disappear this year.
Who will present at the plenary session, and what topics will be covered?
Presenters include Henk Alssema (market overview), Patcharin Thamasirianunt (Thai market insights), Max Craipeau (Asia’s recycling outlook), and Bianca Mannini (UN Plastics Treaty updates).
Will there be a panel discussion?
Yes, an interactive panel moderated by Henk Alssema will feature all speakers plus Olivier François, Chairman of the BIR International Environment Council.