The International Roundtable on Auto Recycling
Story by/par Steve Fletcher
The International Roundtable on Auto Recycling (IRT) has emerged as a global forum uniting major automotive recycling associations, individual recyclers, and businesses. Since its founding in 2005, the IRT has facilitated crucial discussions on shared challenges and opportunities in the industry, hosting 11 gatherings worldwide, including in Canada (Quebec City in 2010 and Niagara Falls in 2017).
One of the IRT’s most significant achievements was the 2014 Kushiro Declaration, which outlined global priorities such as improving environmental standards, raising public awareness, fostering government engagement, and advancing industry education and training. This document continues to guide the IRT’s mission.
ADAPTING TO A CHANGING WORLD
Like many organizations, the IRT faced disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, as travel restrictions halted in-person meetings. However, the rise of virtual collaboration tools allowed the IRT to pivot and maintain its role as a unifying platform. In 2024, the IRT successfully launched a series of five webinars, reconnecting the global auto recycling community. These virtual sessions covered pressing topics such as electric vehicle (EV) recycling, regional industry developments, sustainability, and the transformative role of data and technology. The webinars have drawn hundreds of people, with many more accessing the recordings afterwards. Notably, more than half of the attendees represented industries outside of traditional auto recycling, reflecting the growing interest in the sector from diverse stakeholders.
CANADA’S LEADERSHIP IN AUTO RECYCLING
The Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) has been a central figure in the IRT’s administration, using its extensive experience and global connections to guide the organization’s activities. In collaboration with Auto Recycling World publishers Haydn Davies and Sian Courtney, ARC redesigned the IRT website in 2024 to enhance communication and engagement. Each webinar sparked valuable discussions, generated actionable insights, and informed plans for future events, solidifying the IRT’s reputation as a hub for innovation and collaboration.
Haydn Davies, owner of ARW-GROUP LTD and who publishes Auto Recycling World, commented:
“The ARW Group is dedicated to highlighting the significance and challenges of auto recycling in the 21st century. Our mission extends to fostering understanding among the diverse industries, companies, and individuals involved in the vehicle life cycle.
The IRT stands as an invaluable organization, serving as a unifying platform for the auto recycling community. In the wake of the global lockdown, it has proven its importance and deserved revitalization, continuing its role as a vital hub for collaboration and growth within the sector.
The positive feedback from our initial webinar series, which addressed key industry issues, has been incredibly encouraging. This motivates us to further enrich the industry by providing valuable insights and discussions. We warmly invite everyone interested in auto recycling to subscribe and participate in our future webinars. Additionally, we welcome suggestions for topics to cover or opportunities for individuals to present their expertise to the community.”
The IRT has ambitious plans for 2025, including sessions on plastics recycling from end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), safe EV dismantling practices, the EU ELV Directive, and regional updates from China, Europe, and the United States. These initiatives aim to deepen understanding and drive progress in auto recycling globally.
BE A PART
The International Roundtable on Auto Recycling remains a vital platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the automotive recycling industry. With exciting initiatives on the horizon, 2025 promises to be another transformative year. Be part of the journey as the IRT continues to lead the charge for a sustainable and connected future in auto recycling. Visit www.irt-autorecycling.org
