BIR Report

Leadership Changes at BIR

Alexandre Delacoux has replaced Francis Veys as director general of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels.

Delacoux joined BIR at the end of 2012 as general manager and has been taking over the day-to-day business of the organization.

The BIR says Delacoux will focus the association’s efforts toward convention organization and membership acquisition.

At the BIR 2013 World Recycling Convention & Exhibition in Shanghai this spring, Delacoux presented the BIR Advisory Council with a business plan that seeks to rejuvenate the organization while maintaining what he views as its high level of service and professional expertise.

“Alexandre is a highly capable leader with a proven track record in association management who will not fail to steer BIR towards even greater successes than those achieved in the past,” says BIR President Björn Grufman.

“BIR is a powerful association with a unique position as sole international voice of the recycling industry,” says Delacoux. “I am both humbled and challenged by the successful itinerary of the organization since its creation in 1948. I am determined to increase its worldwide impact for the benefit of BIR membership and the recycling industry at large. It is crucial that we strengthen the existing structure and continue to provide services, voice and leadership to the industry. I look forward to working with our members, the BIR Advisory Council and the highly professional BIR team.”
 

BIR Honors Veys

Francis Veys attended his final Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) convention as the world organization’s director general this May in Shanghai.

Veys stepped down from his post Aug. 31. after almost 40 years. He was succeeded by Alexandre Delacoux, who joined the Brussels-based body in 2012 as general manager. (See “Leadership Changes at BIR” above.)

Veys’ contribution to BIR throughout his 38 years with the organization, including more than three decades as the head of the Brussels secretariat, drew praise from a succession of speakers in Shanghai, including a heartfelt vote of thanks from BIR’s re-elected World President Björn Grufman at the general assembly May 28. “He has always been the man behind the scenes and not the diva in the spotlight—the mastermind behind the organization as it is today,” Grufman told attendees.

Among Veys’ many skills, he has been “a perfect diplomat” and a “multitasker” who has represented the recycling industry “in a proactive way” and has “chosen his staff well,” Grufman said.

Under Veys’ stewardship, BIR’s membership effectively tripled.

The outgoing director general listed all of the BIR presidents whom it had been his “pleasure and honor to serve.” Veys also directed a special thank you to his “super team” at the Brussels secretariat and to his family.

Although relinquishing his role as director general, Veys will continue to work with BIR in an advisory capacity, notably for convention planning.

Another recycling industry leader was honored at the BIR General Assembly in Shanghai, with a presentation being made to Ma Hongchang, who until recently was vice secretary general of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association Recycling Metal Branch (CMRA).

Praised by Grufman for his instrumental role in the development of stronger links between BIR and China, Ma envisaged a “bright future,” for CMRA/BIR cooperation.

Also at the General Assembly, BIR treasurer Ranjit S. Baxi confirmed that the world organization had recorded “healthy” financial results in 2012 despite the difficult economic conditions.

The 2013 BIR World Recycling Convention & Exposition was at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel in Shanghai May 27-29.
 

China Scrap Plastics Association Joins BIR

Following its recent spring conference in Shanghai, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, has announced that the China Scrap Plastics Association (CSPA) has become a member. According to the BIR, the addition of the CSPA will help the BIR develop its Plastics Committee into a Plastics Division.

To become a division within the organization, a commodity committee must be supported by a certain number of companies and national associations, which agree to pay membership fees, according to the BIR.

BIR say it hopes the CSPA’s membership will boost the BIR Plastics Committee and attract other associations and companies from that sector.

Surendra Borad of Gemini Corp., chairman of the BIR Plastics Committee, played a pivotal role in getting the CSPA to join the BIR, according to the organization.

The CSPA, which was founded in 2012 in Hong Kong, consists of 120 member companies active in the plastics recycling sector. Combined, member firms have a total import volume of 3 million metric tons.

Steve Wong of Fukotomi Co. Ltd., Hong Kong, currently is the executive vice president of the CSPA.