BIR, UN Inks Joint Agreement to Boost Recycling

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has signed a joint declaration to work closely in promoting sustainable recycling practices, in a bid to boost recycling of materials. The declaration was signed by LI Yong, Director General, UNIDO and Ranjit Baxi, President, BIR in Vienna on 12 June, 2018.

By signing the declaration, both parties have agreed to create and spread awareness of the importance of recycling industry and its huge potential to create jobs and prosperity by preserving valuable natural resources. The collaboration will encourage manufacturers to focus on designing products that are easier to recycle. BIR and UNIDO will work together to organize seminars, presentations, global forums to promote recycling efforts. As a first step, UNIDO will organize an international summit in November this year to address barriers to the development of recycling industries across the globe.

ALSO READ: BIR Convention: Chinese Plastic Scrap Imports Could Fall to 30-40% of Normal Levels

Arnaud Brunet, Director General, BIR noted that the joint declaration is the beginning of a long-term partnership between two global organizations capable to deliver positive outcomes around the world. Both the organizations will keep each other informed on recycling-related events and activities, he said. Meantime, Baxi thanked UNIDO for providing the great opportunity of dialogue and common action. He added that the joint declaration is a big step forward to facilitate cooperation between the recycling industry and the UN.

UNIDO had earlier extended support to the first ever Global Recycling Day on March 18^th-an initiative by the BIR to organize people to focus on better future for the planet. UNIDO had released a statement in support of the Global Recycling Day on their website, encouraging people to sign BIR’s petition.