In a press release on the impact of Coronavirus on the recycling sector, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) reported mixed impacts and challenges across all sectors.
BIR Reports a Mixed Picture for Global Recycling
In the polymer sector, BIR says; “Demand for recycled plastics is feeble as a result of the lockdowns implemented in a large proportion of countries and shutdowns at many companies. The low oil price has pushed raw material values to historically low levels; the plastics recycling industry is struggling with high inventories and, as mentioned, reduced order levels.
“Looking to the broader picture, the pandemic has shifted important environmental topics from the top of the agenda, and thus the implementation of the circular economy will be automatically slowed in a way that, ultimately, will have a negative effect on the plastic recycling industry.
“Feedback from a factory in Indonesia reveals that its repro-plastic pellet shipments to China were resumed in early April and have almost reached pre-virus levels. From the same company’s plant in Poland, rubber operations have been reduced. Still, orders continue to be received from India despite the lockdown, as importers are expecting a Demurrage & Detention waiver, and are preferring to stock up ready for when the country reopens.
