The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has appointed Alev Somer as the new Deputy Director for Trade & Environment.  She will work closely with Ross Bartley, BIR Director for Trade & Environment, on all ongoing trade issues and environmental matters impacting the recycling industry worldwide. 

Alev Somer has over seven years of experience in Public Affairs, working on environmental and industrial policies in Brussels. She has been leading the environment and technical committees of the European Aggregates Association (UEPG) since 2016 and has advocated the uptake of secondary raw materials in a traditionally primary producer industry. She held prominent roles in EU expert groups, addressing circular economy and sustainability. Previously, she worked with the European Network of Cities (Eurocities) and the Birmingham City Council on sustainable city management projects. 

“With Alev, BIR is gaining a highly competent and promising colleague who will certainly be an asset for our legislative and policy work,” said BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet.  Somer will be attending the upcoming World Recycling Convention in Barcelona, where she will be presented to BIR leaders and the wider membership.