BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry signals Asia’s circular shift

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

The BIR(Bureau of International Recycling) Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry gathered global stakeholders across the value chain. The forum covered ferrous, non-ferrous, and specialty metals in depth. The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry highlighted circular economy execution, not slogans. Therefore, participants focused on infrastructure, technology, and market standards. Meanwhile, BIR’s scale—1.5 million professionals and USD 160 billion—framed the agenda.

The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry underscored Asia-Pacific’s accelerating demand. Hosting in Bangkok reflected trade gravity tilting toward Asian hubs. As a result, discussions centered on capacity build-out and logistics reliability. Attendees examined traceability, quality assurance, and ESG disclosure. Moreover, members emphasized data for financing and cross-border compliance.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Ferrous and non-ferrous flows anchor the circular backbone

Ferrous scrap now supplies over 30% of global steel output. EAF adoption increases scrap intensity and resilience. Therefore, ferrous scrap became a strategic raw material. Asia remains the largest import market for ferrous scrap. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan anchor steady tonnage. However, India’s fast-rising demand drew strong attention this year.

Non-ferrous recycling accelerates stainless steel’s circular economy. Over 70% of stainless production uses recycled feedstock today. Consequently, 300-series stainless scrap commands a nickel-driven premium. Copper, aluminum, and zinc recycling rates keep climbing. Meanwhile, EV batteries and e-waste create new metal pools. Processors target dismantling, black-mass recovery, and closed-loop contracts. As a result, service models expand beyond commodity trading.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Specialty metals scale: Titanium and Nickel Superalloys

Specialty metals advanced from niche to priority. Titanium scrap offsets costly primary sponge and ingot. Proper sorting enables aircraft, reactor, and implant routes. Clean grades often trade at several thousand dollars per ton. Therefore, certification and segregation matter for aerospace and medical uses.

Nickel-based superalloy scrap rose with aerospace growth. Inconel and Hastelloy streams typically exceed 50% nickel. Refiners upgrade these into new superalloy melts. Moreover, chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt increase strategic value. As a result, secure collection and refining capacity became focal. Asia is emerging as the center for scale and skills.

The Metalnomist Commentary

BIR Bangkok confirmed recycling as core supply-chain strategy. Expect capital to target high-purity sorting, verified traceability, and melt capacity. Asian hubs that certify quality fastest will capture premium flows.