BIR Calls for Long-Term Commitment to Recycled Plastics
Plastic Recycling | 2026-06-10 14:05:30
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
MONTREAL (Scrap Monster): Industry leaders speaking at the joint meeting of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Plastics Division and Tyres & Rubber Committee in Gothenburg, Sweden said recycled plastics must be treated as a strategic and sustainable raw material, not merely a temporary substitute for virgin resin.
Recycled Plastics Need Strategic Recognition
BIR Plastics Division President Henk Alssema of Inviplast BV said recycled materials should not be used only when virgin plastic prices spike. He warned that this short-term approach creates instability for recyclers and weakens the business case for long-term investment.
Rising Virgin Costs Improve Demand
The sector has recently seen firmer demand after a prolonged period marked by low prices, oversupply of virgin plastics, and recycling plant closures. According to Alssema, higher virgin material costs linked to Middle East tensions have helped support stronger market interest in recyclates.
Stable Demand Seen as Essential for Investment
Alssema said consistent demand is critical to maintaining recycling capacity and unlocking further investment in advanced equipment, innovation, and quality systems. He also underlined the importance of stronger policy support to help the sector scale sustainably.
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Freight Disruptions Lift Recyclate Prices
BIR Tyres & Rubber Committee Chairman Max Craipeau said disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have reduced oil flows to Asia, helping lift recyclate prices by 15% to 20%. Even so, he cautioned that many buyers tend to move away from recycled feedstock once broader market conditions normalize.
Executives Push for Long-Term Contracts
Industry executives called on companies to secure longer-term supply agreements and deepen collaboration across the value chain. They argued that stronger commercial commitments are necessary to support sustained growth in the recycling industry.
People Also Ask
What did BIR leaders say about recycled plastics?
They said recycled plastics should be recognized as a strategic and sustainable raw material.
Where was the BIR meeting held?
The joint meeting took place in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Who is the BIR Plastics Division President quoted in the article?
Henk Alssema of Inviplast BV.
Why has demand for recyclates improved recently?
Higher virgin material costs linked to Middle East tensions have supported stronger demand.
How much did recyclate prices rise, according to BIR?
Max Craipeau said recyclate prices increased by 15% to 20%.
POLL
What is the most important factor for ensuring long-term growth in the plastics recycling industry?
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.
