BIR Bangkok 2025: Recycling at the Heart of Global Change
Global Industry Leaders Gather in Bangkok to Explore Recycling’s Role in a Transforming World Economy
At the BIR World Recycling Convention 2025 in Bangkok, experts highlighted how sustainability, geopolitics, and technology are redefining global trade—and placing recycling at the center of this transformation.
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) opened its World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Bangkok, spotlighting how recyclers are positioned to thrive amid sweeping global shifts in trade, sustainability, and technology.
During the Opening Session, chaired by BIR President Susie Burrage OBE, keynote speaker Juan Verde — a global strategist and former advisor to U.S. Presidents Biden, Obama, and Clinton — assured delegates that the sustainability movement remains strong, though “relabelled,” and that recycling continues to play a vital role in the global economy.
“We are at a historic crossroads,” Verde said. “The rules that once governed free trade no longer apply. A new world order is emerging, and it will profoundly shape your industry.”
His keynote explored three critical dimensions: shifting geopolitical power structures, technological and supply chain transformations, and the evolving sustainability landscape.
Verde noted that China’s rise as a manufacturing powerhouse, fueled by decades of outsourced industrial capacity from the U.S. and Europe, has intensified competition for critical materials. Emerging technologies—ranging from AI and 5G to biotechnology and quantum computing—are now central to global economic rivalry.
“This transformation,” Verde said, “is reshaping the world economy and will impact the recycling industry in ways we can’t yet fully grasp.”
He emphasized the rise of regionalisation and ‘friend-shoring,’ where nations are prioritizing domestic and allied production, leading to new forms of protectionism. “This new protectionism is actually positive for your sector,” Verde explained. “It will compel governments to make massive investments in recycling capacity to secure resources.”
Verde also addressed concerns about the political future of sustainability. He stressed that the global green agenda remains intact despite leadership changes. “Even if political shifts alter the speed of progress, the direction remains the same,” he stated, highlighting the private sector’s continued commitment to sustainability for reasons of resilience, competitiveness, and security.
According to Verde, the recycling market for critical minerals is expected to grow by around 15% annually until 2033, representing the fastest-growing segment of the industry. Global investment in recycling and the circular economy exceeded USD 160 billion between 2019 and 2024, marking a 40% increase in just five years.
“This is a ‘kairos’ moment—a time of profound opportunity,” Verde concluded. “Recyclers are not just building a greener world but a safer and more peaceful one.”
During the Q&A session, former BIR President Tom Bird expressed concern about the financial strain of rapid net-zero transitions in Europe. Verde agreed, calling for greater private-sector engagement and innovation to revitalize overregulated markets.
BIR President Susie Burrage OBE opened the convention by honoring Queen Sirikit, the late Queen Mother of Thailand, and welcoming over 1,100 delegates from 58 countries to Bangkok. “This city’s energy reflects our industry’s vitality,” she said, noting that 2025 marks BIR’s largest membership in its 77-year history.
Burrage highlighted the critical importance of open global markets for recycling innovation and growth and commended Thailand’s leadership in circular economy initiatives. She also announced that the next BIR Convention will take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, from June 1–3, 2026.