BIR Report

BIR SEES OPTIMISM IN DUBAI NUMBERS

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, Belgium, is optimistic that its 2009 World Recycling Convention and Exhibition will be what it calls "yet another successful event of the international recycling body." The event takes place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai May 25-27.

"Despite the global crisis and [its] undeniable impact on the recycling industry as well as on the economies of the Middle and Far East, the BIR convention is likely to attract over 700 businesspeople, of which a large number will come from the Middle East," the BIR notes in a news release. According to the organization, 400 delegates had registered as of mid-March.

On its speakers’ program, BIR says it has invited "international experts and personalities" to give their views on a variety of topics, including the situation on the local markets in the Middle East, the role of the LME (London Metals Exchange) in a turbulent stainless steel market and the perspective of the banking sector.

Additionally, a workshop has been set up that will focus on credit insurance. "The topic has gained enormous importance since the beginning of the global crisis, with many companies struggling with their local banks to keep receiving the credits necessary for their daily business," according to the BIR.

In its news release, the organization states that a panel of speakers will discuss specific aspects relating to credit insurance and the recycling community.

Along with its programming, the BIR’s international recycling exhibition showcases machine and equipment manufacturers and service providers. With more than 30 exhibitors, the exhibition is scheduled to be among the larger events that the trade association has organized, and space is already sold out, according to the group.

The BIR is promoting the 2009 destination of Dubai as a "glittering metropolis" that "is moving ahead in a dizzying pace to snatch the top position among other global destinations. Often described as a city of contrasts, Dubai offers a fabulous cosmopolitan lifestyle with an understated elegance. There are attractions galore for the visitors: sunny beaches, five-star services, legendary hotels, vibrant shopping centers and gleaming skyscrapers vie with the traditional dhows and ancient souks."

More information on speakers, workshops and sponsorship opportunities can be found on the BIR Web site, www.bir.org.

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, Belgium, is working on an ongoing basis to help ensure that recyclers in Europe are clear about their roles and obligations pertaining to the European Union’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACh) directive.

Adhering to REACh is just part of the regulatory alphabet soup being served to recyclers in Europe, who find themselves working with ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) to make sure they are part of any SIEFs (Substance Information Exchange Forums) that may apply to their businesses.

The SIEFs are intended to offer companies a way to share costs while complying with the European REACh regulation. "[Compliance] is most economically efficient if done in a co-operative and nonprofit way to keep compliance costs to the minimum," says the BIR, adding, "Bona fide established trade associations and federations will likely already be assisting their members to comply with REACh."

The BIR encourages its European members to read its collection of REACh information at www.bir.org/reach.asp.