BIR Works Recycling Angle in Copenhagen

Global organization says recycling “delivers massive CO₂ reduction.”Armed with a study conducted by Imperial College London that concluded that recycling delivers annual CO₂ reductions of 500 million metric tons, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, will have delegates in Copenhagen to advocate for increased global support for the industry.

“BIR’s recent study on the environmental benefits of recycling shows the important contribution our members make to energy, water and CO₂ savings,” says Dominique Maguin, BIR’s president. “The figure of 500 million metric tons of reduced CO₂ is a conservative estimate based on sound scientific analysis. Let me put it in context: this figure is equivalent to almost 2 percent of global fossil fuel emissions and represents more than the CO₂ emitted by aviation worldwide.”

BIR is participating in the Bright Green Exhibition and conference in Copenhagen on the Dec. 12 and 13, at stand 9, and BIR Director General Francis Veys is a member of the official delegation of the International Chamber of Commerce. The Bright Green event is being held at the same time as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15).

“The purpose of Bright Green is to showcase specific approaches to address climate change challenges,” explains Francis Veys. “BIR will be supported by GI, the Danish recycling federation to make the case for our industry. Our members across the globe are providing nearly 50 percent of the raw materials needed, and we can still increase this figure. The collection of [materials] can be improved and the recycling activities are indispensible for saving energy, gas emissions and natural resources. It is of paramount importance to leave a safe, clean and welcoming planet for future generations.”

The members of BIR represent companies that process more than 600 million metric tons of commodities, with annual sales exceeding $200 billion, similar to the GDP of countries such as Portugal, Colombia or Malaysia. “Our 1.6 million employees are justifiably proud to be part of this industry,” says Veys, “and each of them can point to an individual contribution of more than 300 metric tons of CO₂ reduction per year. That figure will continue to grow if recycled materials become the resources of choice in the future.”

BIR President Maguin adds, “The UN’s 2005 Millennium Assessment Report showed that a majority of the ecosystems that provide raw materials are being degraded or used unsustainably, threatening life on Earth. We can minimize and reverse this damage by increasing environmentally responsible recovery and reuse of valuable materials.”