Transforming Recycling: Global Impact and Future Vision

Recycling industry leaders emphasize easing cross-border trade to boost the circular economy. US and India lead the way, with export markets crucial to growth. Despite recent tariffs, trade remains resilient. Strategic partnerships with the Middle East promise sustainability, with India's circular economy potentially generating significant market value by 2050.

Recycling industry leaders are calling for easier cross-border trade as a key driver for the circular economy's growth. Robin Wiener, President of the US-based Recycled Materials Association, highlights the importance of global market access for reusable products, particularly for the United States with its surplus of recycled materials.

At the International Material Recycling Conference (IMRC 2026), Wiener noted the significant growth of US-India recycling trade, which has been resilient despite tariff measures. She mentions that the ongoing bilateral trade negotiations are likely to conclude by early 2026, further solidifying this relationship.

Amar Singh, Secretary General of the Material Recycling Association of India, emphasizes India's potential in circular economy value generation by 2050. He points to recent policy measures supporting both ferrous and non-ferrous recycling, underscoring the strategic role of recycling in economic and environmental contexts.