Delacoux: BIR members can help China deliver on its eco-goals

Another important step was taken last week in developing a closer relationship and a better understanding between BIR and the important Chinese market. In addressing the 5th China International Eco-City Forum in Tianjin, which was organised in conjunction with CRRA’s China International Recycling Conference & Exhibition, BIR’s Director General Alexandre Delacoux explained how the world recycling organisation and its members can become tried-and-tested allies for China in the country’s pursuit of its recycling and wider environmental goals.

Describing BIR as the only voice of the global recycling industry not linked to any national or regional priorities, Mr Delacoux detailed the central role that the organisation has played in the development of the recycling industry over many decades and also the quality of the services it offers to an ever-growing membership, including information support as well as representation of the industry’s interests at national, international and supranational levels. He also emphasised BIR’s belief in: free and fair trade; the increased use of recycled materials; and the designing of products with their ultimate recycling in mind.

“A key facet of BIR’s work is to ensure that the public and policy-makers have a true understanding of our industry and of its contribution not only to the environment, but also to financial and social well-being,” he said. “Recycling has a clearly-established place in the circular economy. Recycling and economic growth go hand in hand; recycling is good business, especially when conducted on an international scale. Trading of recycled commodities that conform to agreed specifications is a win-win, providing financial benefit for the seller and a vital secondary raw material input for the buyer.”

Specifically with regard to the Tianjin Eco-City initiative, Mr Delacoux spoke of the need for project leaders to maintain their focus on waste management and recycling. “And where needed, they can be sure to count on the skills of BIR and its members to assist in this process,” he stressed. “Tianjin Eco-City is an eco-hub, and so are we at BIR in a different way - we are a hub of recycling information and expertise on which projects such as these can draw in order to refine their recycling approach.”

So as to promote its membership, services and upcoming conventions and to boost its profile in China still further, BIR also took stand space at the Tianjin event - one of the aims of which was to help Chinese companies with their international outreach. The exhibition had specific areas devoted to metals, e-scrap, paper, plastics and rubber recycling.  

According to Mr Delacoux, BIR’s strong showing in Tianjin enabled the world organisation to underline its commitment to China and to the wider Asian market, and also to enhance its interactions with this key region to the benefit of its 900-plus members. “Our aim is to ensure that BIR is clearly visible at the most important events in Asia, that it is fully engaged in technical collaboration with Asia, and that it is participating in all of the region’s key developments relating to recycling, including regulations and initiatives such as Eco-City,” he stated. “It is important for BIR to see and understand at first hand the massive steps that China is undertaking to build a more sustainable economy.”

During his stay in China, Mr Delacoux also visited the China Paper Association and the China Tyre Retreading, Repairing and Recycling Association with a view to intensifying BIR’s co-operation with the two industry bodies so as to offer additional business opportunities for BIR members.