BIR International Trade Council gets new chair

Susie Burrage, president of the Brussels-based Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), has appointed Emmanuel Katrakis as the new chair of the organization’s International Trade Council (ITC). He replaces former ITC Chairman Michael Lion, who was awarded an honorary BIR membership for his decades of service to the organization.

Katrakis, director of public and regulatory affairs at BIR member company Galloo Group of Menen, Belgium, a company active in recycling metals and technical plastics, is well-known within BIR and the international recycling community, having previously served as Secretary General of the European Recycling Industries' Confederation (EuRIC), which he joined at its inception in 2014. He helped to develop EuRIC into the voice of the European recycling industry, bridging the industry with European institutions, the BIR says.

“I am excited to be given the opportunity to actively contribute to the programs and missions of our global recycling organization, which in light of current international trade and legislation challenges holds an ever-increasing importance for ensuring the free trade of our recycled materials," Katrakis says of  his new role.

With more than 15 years of experience in Brussels, Katrakis has expertise in recycling, advocacy and association management. He is a frequent speaker at international recycling conferences and a member of several expert groups supporting the transition to a circular economy and holds degrees in European law and international relations.

“I am very happy that Emmanuel has accepted my invitation to chair one of BIR’s most important cross-commodity committees, our International Trade Council,” Burrage says. “Thanks to his leadership skill and his deep understanding of the industry, the ITC will certainly gain momentum and widen its important contributions to our membership.”

BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet adds, “International trade is the very foundation of our industry, and therefore we must place the utmost emphasis on defending our right to freely ship our products wherever they are needed. The ITC plays a crucial role in this mission, and Emmanuel has the necessary expertise for this important position.”