The president of the Spanish Federation of Recovery and Recycling (FER), Ion Olaeta, defended the need to strengthen the competitiveness of the recycling industry to ensure the success of the circular economy in Europe. Olaeta made these statements during the opening of the congress, which is taking place at IFEMA Madrid.

The event, coinciding with the International Recovery and Recycling Fair (SRR 2026) and the European Recycling Conference, gathers prominent institutional figures and sector experts. Olaeta emphasized that recycling is "a strategic activity to reduce dependence on raw materials, strengthen European industrial autonomy, and improve economic competitiveness." He also called for robust markets for recycled materials and policies to drive their demand.

The Vice-Minister of Environment of the Community of Madrid, Rafael García, highlighted the sector's importance for "job creation, sustainability, and economic growth," promoting public-private collaboration as key to the circular transition.

From a European perspective, Olivier Francois, president of Recycling Europe, called to "bet on open markets, fair competition, and a regulatory framework that allows recycling companies to move forward, be competitive, and make their voices heard within the EU." David Moneo, director of IFEMA Madrid's International Week of Citizen Services, underscored the strategic relevance of the joint celebration of the Congress and SRR 2026.

Following the opening, the general director of FER, Alicia García-Franco, presented the progress of the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, highlighting the Federation's participation in 43 legislative initiatives during 2025 and the training of nearly 1,700 professionals.