Burrage, President of UK-based Recycled Products Ltd., announced her re-election for a second two-year term along with Dhawal Shah of Metco Ventures LLP from India, in a speech at the BIR General Assembly on May 27 at the Feria Valencia Convention Center in Valencia, Spain. Burrage noted that the organization's capacity and global influence has increased during this period, especially with the addition of five young professionals to the BIR Secretariat.
Citing the BIR Academy as one of the most important steps of her presidency, Burrage noted the initiative has played a vital role in transferring knowledge, skills and leadership to the next generation of recyclers. “An industry that thrives on renewal requires fresh blood and fresh thinking,” she stated.
Describing the Plastics Committee's gaining full chapter status as “a milestone”, Burrage also stated that the first Textile Circularity Conference, which was held in September 2024 and hosted more than 100 participants from 24 countries, made a significant contribution to circular economy moves in the sector.
Burrage reminded that BIR has clarified its position on free trade, extended producer responsibility and chemical recycling with its recently published global position papers, and stated that they also launched the BIR Business Digest publication to ensure that members are better equipped to deal with complex regulations.
Another noteworthy step in the organization's communication pillar was the publication of The Recyclist, BIR's first member and stakeholder magazine. Burrage stated that a groundbreaking global study on the environmental benefits of recycling will be announced shortly. This study will include benchmarking data that will contribute to the sector's advocacy activities.
BIR has also taken important steps in terms of public visibility, increasing its LinkedIn followers from 9,000 to over 17,000 in just one year. The number of shares increased by 45%. “These numbers are not just statistics; they show that our messages are reaching wider audiences and impacting more stakeholders,” Burrage noted.
In her speech, Burrage also touched upon the BIR's biannual Conventions and announced that the shift from hotel venues to convention centers has increased the effectiveness of these events, with registrations reaching over 2,000 at the Valencia event.
BIR Treasurer Dhawal Shah, in his assessment of the financial statement, stated that the record-breaking participation in the events held in Copenhagen and Singapore in 2024, together with the ever-increasing number of members, these achievements have enabled the organization to build on a strong financial foundation.
“It is in our DNA to adapt, lead and innovate,” concluded President Burrage. “We have taken on this responsibility not just to stay relevant, but to actively shape global sustainability through recycling efforts.”
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