Overview from OSLO

Several hundred scrap industry traders, processors, consumers and suppliers from around the world gathered in Oslo, Norway, in late May for the Spring Convention of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR).

The Brussels-based consortium of national recycling organizations welcomed a new president and updated members on several key industry issues at the gathering.

Delegates heard mixed market reports—some more positive than others—along with reports on global trade and regulatory issues that could affect the way they conduct business in the future.

"It is an important day for Italians and our national association Assofer-met," Duranti announced to delegates at the BIR General Assembly. "It is a great honor for me to be the first Italian BIR president in 55 years."

In farewell remarks, Hunter said that the role of BIR president had become "a full-time job," and pointed to achievements in the previous four years including BIR’s improved financial stability and the launch of its upgraded Web site, the International Environment Council and the Young Traders Group.

In other BIR news, a recent survey has provided information that there is still room for the organization to grow. According to both Hunter and BIR Membership Committee Chairman Robert Voss of U.K.-based Voss International, the survey found there are still a number of international companies not aware of BIR, meaning the organization should address the task of "selling BIR to the new marketplaces," according to Voss.

Some 39 new members have joined the BIR since the previous General Assembly in Monte Carlo last spring, raising the organization’s total membership to 526, according to Voss.

Serious consideration is being given to holding the BIR’s 2005 Spring Convention in the Chinese capital of Beijing in recognition of the country’s growing importance to world markets, it was announced by Convention Committee Chairman Peter Mathews of Black Country Metals Ltd., Stourbridge, U.K. The 2003 Fall Convention will be held in Vienna, while the 2004 events will be in Berlin and London, he confirmed.