BIR: Global Scrap Trade Stands at a Historic Crossroads Amid Shifting Market Dynamics
Steel News | 2025-10-28 12:21:44
He focused on trade trends and the future of sustainability and recycling.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) World Recycling Convention & Exhibition 2025 has officially begun in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing together key global industry players, policymakers, and sustainability leaders to discuss the evolving future of recycling and circular economy trends.
The Opening Session, chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, set the tone for the event, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities shaping the global recycling landscape. In his keynote address, Juan Verde highlighted that the world is entering a “new economic order” that will deeply impact the recycling industry, driven by shifting trade trends, geopolitical power realignments, and sustainability goals.
Verde’s presentation delved into the intersection of technology, supply chains, protectionism, and global conflicts, noting that these dynamics are redefining how materials are sourced, processed, and traded worldwide. He underscored that China has emerged as a major superpower, now capable of competing directly with the United States in recycling and resource recovery.
According to Verde, recent protectionist policies, particularly from the U.S. administration, have accelerated massive domestic investments to expand recycling infrastructure. He also emphasized that the ongoing drive toward sustainability has created new momentum for recycling growth and innovation across industries.
Highlighting the sector’s strong outlook, Verde revealed that the critical minerals recycling market is expected to grow by 15% annually through 2033. Furthermore, global investment in recycling and the circular economy has surged by over 40% between 2019 and 2024, signaling robust confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
The convention continues this week, featuring expert panels, trade discussions, and strategic dialogues focused on navigating a rapidly transforming global recycling marketplace.
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Which factor do you believe will have the biggest influence on the future of global scrap trade?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the main message from keynote speaker Juan Verde?
Juan Verde emphasized that we are entering a new world order that will significantly influence the global recycling industry, focusing on trade trends, sustainability, and supply chain shifts.
- What key global issues were discussed in his presentation?
Verde’s presentation covered geopolitical power shifts, technology trends, supply chain dynamics, conflicts, protectionism, and the future of sustainability and recyclability.
- How is the recycling and circular economy sector expected to grow?
The critical minerals recycling market is expected to grow by 15% annually through 2033, while global investments in recycling and circular economy have risen by over 40% between 2019 and 2024.
