XV Interforum Recycling of FIR: Welcome

It is our pleasure to announce that the XV Interforum Recycling of FIR, the International Recycling Association, will be held from 20th to 21st of May 2009 in ZARAGOZA, and is to be organised by GERD, the Spanish Recycling Association.

The purpose of the Conference is to encourage the exchange of knowledge and promotion of more suitable technical, innovative, environmental sound and efficient uses of recycled aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste. An additional effort will be given to improve its use in Southern Europe. The Conference will also deal with the main challenges arising from the most recent environmental and technical legislation (FRAMEWORK WASTE DIRECTIVE, CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS, Chemical substances etc), and the competitive and future of recycling industry.

The Conference is aimed not only at people already involved in the C&DW business, but also at people who may support Recycled Aggregates applications in the future and those involved in the decision-making process for their use. It includes C&DW producers, recyclers, equipment and additives providers, administration, research community in the wider sense, and users such as construction companies, cement industry, civil engineers, innovative applications, etc.

Apart from coinciding with the International Demolition and Recycling Exhibition (FIDER), GERD has invited to Spanish demolition association AEDED and AEDT to be part of the event´s organization.

The Congress will be structured with morning lectures by worldwide known speakers. In the afternoons there will be specific work groups meetings. These work groups will talk about the most important matters for the sector, such as the relation of Construction and Demolition Waste and city ordinances, or production, uses and applications of recycled aggregates.

The congress focuses on European developments such as the new Waste Framework Directive and its impacts, but also on developments within the Construction Product Directive and related standardization. National Spanish developments are also on the agenda. An important aspect is the “Spanish Guide of Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste”. This guide, drafted by GERD, has as a main aim to join to all the Spanish companies which produce recycled aggregates.

The congress is of importance to all European stakeholders. They will learn about the newest developments and meet with their European colleagues. FIR is creating a European Recycling Network which will be launched during the congress. There will be a unique opportunity to meet with other companies and stakeholders. Direct sharing of knowledge and expertise will be facilitated, new businesses may emerge. The benefit for Spanish companies is evident. A standardized market for recycled product will become reality in Spain, as skills which can guarantee recycled aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste will be stimulated, as in the rest of Europe.

Representatives of all of the agents involved in sustainable building (managers, researchers, industry professionals, contractors and government) are invited to discuss the sector’s needs and objectives.