BIR/KPMG report supports the recycling industry

Opening the meeting, IEC Chairman and EuRIC President Olivier François emphasized that industry representatives had mounted a strong, data-driven response against calls for export restrictions on recycled steel in Europe. Highlighting that Europe produces 100 million tonnes of recycled steel annually—20 million tonnes of which are exported—François stated that several claims supporting export restrictions had been disproven using customs data.

François noted that if tariffs were to be imposed, the recycling industry would withdraw from a market worth around 20 million tonnes of metallic waste, leading to issues for a wide range of stakeholders. Support for this stance also came from the U.S. Robin Wiener, President of the U.S. Recycled Materials Association, pointed out the similarities between the European debate and the situation in the U.S. copper sector, underlining the critical need for global cooperation.

In the second part of the meeting, an update on the study was presented by Stéphanie Grandjean Mateos and Mina Bishop from KPMG France’s ESG Centre of Excellence. The report examines the environmental impacts of 10 different recycled materials, presenting concrete data on CO₂ emission savings, as well as savings in energy, water, raw materials, and land use. Bishop noted that the report is in its final stage before publication, while Grandjean Mateos added that the data was based on real market conditions.

BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet highlighted the high level of anticipation surrounding the study, stating that the figures were “very big and very interesting.” Cameron Leitch from the British Metals Recycling Association emphasized that governments increasingly value data-driven insights for policymaking and noted that such studies play a crucial role in supporting the recycling sector’s position.

François described the ongoing public consultation for the restructuring of the European Emissions Trading System (closing on July 8) as a historic opportunity for the recycling sector. He stressed that the BIR/KPMG report is key to demonstrating the connection between the circular economy and decarbonisation.