News updates from CIWM’s commercial partners.
Ecomondo | Ecomondo 2024: Record Growth Showcases Global Leadership in Green Innovation
The 27th edition of Ecomondo, the premier international event dedicated to the green and circular economy, concluded its most successful year yet at the Rimini Expo Centre.
Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the 2024 event achieved remarkable milestones, reflecting the growing global urgency around sustainability.
This year, Ecomondo reported a 10% increase in exhibitors and 5% growth in total attendance, setting new records.
The event drew a 4% increase in international visitors reaching over 104,000, with strong participation from countries such as Germany, Spain, Romania, France, and Tunisia.
A total of 1,620 exhibitors occupied 166,000 square meters of space, with the expo centre expanded to include two new halls.
Global Meeting Place for Sustainability and Innovation
Ecomondo 2024 cemented its role as a nexus for corporate innovation, research, and international collaboration. Over 200 conferences and workshops attracted industry leaders and experts, while the Greentech Insights B2B platform extended the event’s reach online.
This year’s edition also hosted 650 journalists from around the globe, further amplifying Ecomondo’s influence on the international stage.
The event was backed by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI), and the Emilia-Romagna Region, with support from IEG’s extensive network of regional advisors.
International Engagement and Business Growth
Foreign participation reached new heights, with delegates from 121 countries, 72 global sector associations, and 650 buyers from key regions such as North Africa, Europe, and Latin America.
The event facilitated 3,500 business matching sessions, driving meaningful connections and fostering opportunities in the green technology sector.
An official delegation from the Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) in the UK highlighted the event’s international relevance.
Tim Walker, CIWM President, praised Ecomondo as “a tremendous international event for the circular economy,” emphasizing its value as both a knowledge and business platform.
Italy’s Leadership in Ecological Transition Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, inaugurated Ecomondo, emphasizing its significance as a “privileged observatory on the national economy” and a testament to Italy’s leadership in ecological transition efforts.
Spotlight on Innovation
Innovation took centre stage at Ecomondo 2024. A recent survey conducted in partnership with Unioncamere revealed that 78.4% of companies in Ecomondo’s ecosystem have invested in sustainable innovation over the past five years.
This commitment was celebrated through initiatives such as the Lorenzo Cagnoni Award for Green Innovation and the Sustainable Development Award, recognizing cutting-edge solutions by start-ups, companies, and public administrations.
The State of the International Green Transition
A comprehensive conference program provided critical insights into sustainability’s future, addressing topics like the Circular Economy, the Bio-Economy, Water & Blue Economy, and Climate Change Monitoring.
Guided by Ecomondo’s Technical-Scientific Committee, chaired by Professor Fabio Fava of Bologna University, the event underscored the importance of innovation in achieving global sustainability goals.
Looking Ahead
Ecomondo continues to lead the charge in promoting the green and circular economy on a global scale. Save the date for the 28th edition of Ecomondo, scheduled for 4–7 November 2025, at Rimini Expo Centre.
For more information contact ALSEA Business Media, Ecomondo’s Official Representative Office for the UK & Ireland at David@AlseaBusinessMedia.co.uk.
Fleetclear | Fleet Operators turn to Fleetclear for DVS-2 compliance
Following the launch of its own Progressive Safe System (PSS), Fleetclear has been inundated with fleet operators seeking a speedy solution to ensure their fleets meet the regulations of the next phase of Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS).
As the 28 October deadline for DVS-2 has now passed increasing numbers of operators are being subjected to large fines due to non-compliance.
The new regulations state that only HGVs rated 3 stars and above, or those fitted with a Progress Safe System (PSS), are now permitted to operate in Greater London.
Long-standing partner and contract hire company Endurance Vehicle Solutions already has Fleetclear safety technology installed across its fleet. When it came to DVS requirements for Greater London it was natural for Endurance to turn to Fleetclear.
Neil Jeremiah, Managing Director, Endurance said: “A lot of our equipment was already DVS compliant, but we had some vehicles, which needed PSS fitted. The Fleetclear team ensured that our fleet was ready for the DVS deadline in London.
“Fleetclear’s equipment is superb and comes with a good warranty. We very rarely have issues, but it is important to us that if there are ever any concerns, a partner will address them thoroughly.
“Anyone can fit a camera system, but it is the aftersales, warranty and support which sets Fleetclear apart. When you have a large rental fleet, you need to ensure that all the technology installed can be relied upon.
“We only use Fleetclear for retrofit work and try to spec their equipment when ordering new from manufacturers.”
Another well-established existing customer specialist vehicle rental company CTS Hire, also turned to Fleetclear to ensure its London-bound HGVs are fully DVS compliant. CTS Hire has already adopted Fleetclear camera systems on its fleet and uses Fleetclear Connect software to monitor and track its vehicle safety technology.
Shamek Kowslczyk, Head of Hire at CTS said “When we needed to install PSS I didn’t think twice about contacting Fleetclear. The service has always been good and there was no need to look elsewhere. They have everything I need.”
Will Harris, Fleet and Compliance Manager at White Logistics & Storage agreed that “it was clear who our choice would be regarding the fast-approaching London PSS upgrade requirements”.
Fleetclear has earned a reputation for designing and manufacturing market leading and innovative vehicle safety systems and software that stand the test of time.
The Fleetclear PSS system provides fleet operators with a simple, fully integrated, and compact solution, which ensures their entire fleet is fully DVS compliant.
Enhanced with AI-based camera detection technology, the system comprises both a Blind Spot Information System (BSIS) and a Moving Off Information System (MOIS) for full DVS compliance.
Mike Crowther, Business Development Director, Fleetclear said: “It’s always great to get such positive feedback from our customers and we are very happy to have been of service. Our PSS system is easy to install and provides full DVS compliance.
“We encourage any fleet operators who haven’t yet ensured their fleet is compliant, especially those at imminent risk of being fined, to call our team immediately.”
Nuclear Waste Services | How we’ll evaluate a site to host a Geological Disposal Facility
A Geological Disposal Facility – or GDF – is the best solution to permanently dispose of our most radioactive waste.
We’ve developed a robust process for choosing where a GDF could be built and at the moment, we’re actively engaging with communities to see if hosting a GDF would be right for them.
As part of the process, we evaluate each potential site based on six siting factors.
Would this area be suitable for a GDF?
These six siting factors are safety and security, community, environment, engineering feasibility, transport, and value for money.
When it comes to safety and security we must demonstrate a potential site will be safe and secure both during its construction and when it’s operating. If we can’t do this we can’t consider the site suitable and a GDF can’t be built in that location.
The geology must be suitable and the facility must satisfy the UK’s strict safety and security standards for us to move ahead.
The community also plays a central role and throughout the whole process, we remain in constant dialogue with local people in the community and stakeholders, local authorities and the Community Partnership.
Like any big infrastructure project, a GDF would affect the local community in different ways. Our discussions with local people will seek to ensure that the social and economic impact of a GDF would benefit them as much as possible.
If the community decides they do not want to host a GDF, then we won’t go ahead.
A GDF will be one of the biggest environmental protection projects the UK has ever seen and protecting the environment is a key factor when evaluating potential sites.
We will need to assess the impact on protected habitats and species, as well as anything of historical and cultural significance.
What would it mean to host a GDF?
When it comes to engineering feasibility, the geology of an area will ultimately influence whether and how a GDF can be designed, constructed and operated safely.
We will need to drill deep boreholes into the ground to bring up rock samples so we understand the geology. This work will give us a really detailed picture of the different layers present.
We also look at transport links. After all, there’s no point in building a site for disposing of radioactive waste if we can’t get the waste there safely and efficiently. During this evaluation, we’ll consider what the existing transportation looks like, and development options.
Last but not least: does building a GDF in a chosen area represent good value for money? Since this is a government project, we have to make sure we’re using taxpayers’ money as efficiently as possible for the long-term.
What if a site is or isn’t suitable?
These six siting factors help support our considerations on whether a site is suitable for a GDF. In 2023, we withdrew from Allerdale, in Cumbria, because there was only a limited volume of suitable rock which meant the geology wasn’t right.
If a site does support all aspects of the six siting factors, then we’ll seek approval from the government, and apply for the necessary planning and regulatory consents.
The whole process of building and eventually closing the GDF will take around 150 years, and it will keep protecting people and the environment for thousands more – which is why it’s vitally important to evaluate potential sites thoroughly.
CTS Hire | CTS Hire invests in new RCV fleet
Municipal vehicle rental company, CTS Hire, has invested in four brand-new refuse collection vehicles for its hire fleet.
The 74 plate vehicles from manufacturer Dennis Eagle are all 5-star rated and fully DVS compliant.
Shamek Kowalczyk, Head of Hire, CTS Hire, a division of contract hire company Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) said: “This investment reinforces our committment to a continual vehicle replacement programme.
“Our customers can be assured that the CTS Hire fleet comprises the most up to date vehicle technology and is always compliant with the latest regulatory requirements. Our is also fitted with tried and tested safety and tracking equipment.”
The new fleet comprises 3x 26t single body RCVs with Terberg split lifts; and 1x 26t Dennis Eagle Twinpack RCV with 65:35 Terberg triple lift. All vehicles are fitted with four-way camera systems from Fleetclear.
Keith Day, Managing Director, Dennis Eagle said: “We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with Specialist Fleet Services and support CTS Hire with the delivery of four new vehicles.
“This collaboration emphasises our shared commitment to ensuring that customers receive the highest quality fleet solution.”
Waste Investigations Support & Enforcement | WISE Partners with Birmingham City Council to Inspire Young Environmental Champions
Waste Investigations Support and Enforcement (WISE) is proud to announce its partnership with Birmingham City Council to tackle litter enforcement and inspire the next generation to care for the environment.
As part of this exciting initiative, WISE is offering free anti-littering presentations to schools across Birmingham. Designed to educate and empower students, the programme aims to make a lasting impact on how young people perceive and address littering in their communities.
What’s Included in the Programme?
- Engaging School Assemblies: A 40-minute interactive presentation tailored to inspire students about the importance of environmental care and the consequences of littering.
- Anti-Littering Poster Contest: Students can showcase their creativity by designing posters to promote anti-littering messages, with prizes awarded for standout designs.
- Community Action Opportunity: Schools can also participate in a litter-picking activity on the same day, with WISE providing all the necessary equipment free of charge.
WISE’s Managing Director, John Dunne, said: “We believe education is the foundation for creating long-term change. By engaging young minds, we can foster a sense of responsibility and pride in keeping Birmingham clean and green.
“Our partnership with Birmingham City Council reflects our commitment to not only enforcing legislation, but also inspiring a cultural shift towards environmental stewardship.”
This initiative, which WISE has been running in partnership with other Local Authorities across the UK throughout 2024, has already received glowing feedback from other participating schools, with students showing enthusiasm and creativity in addressing littering.
Join the Movement
WISE invites interested schools to participate in this initiative and help create a cleaner, more sustainable future.
To book a free presentation or learn more about the programme, email Darran Carter, Social Value & Communities Manager, WISE – darran@wasteenforcement.co.uk
Together, WISE and Birmingham City Council are working to build a cleaner Birmingham while empowering young people to be environmental champions in their communities.
Keenan Recycling | Keenan powers University of St Andrews’ net zero journey
Keenan Recycling, a provider of sustainable waste management solutions, is proud to strengthen its longstanding partnership with the University of St Andrews.
Together, they are continuing to reduce food waste, promote renewable energy, and contribute to the University’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero by 2035.
Environmental impact
The University of St Andrews’ partnership with Keenan Recycling has yielded remarkable results. They’ve successfully collected food waste from 19 student halls and accommodation sites, encompassing nearly 400 bins in total.
By diverting over 173 tonnes of food waste from landfill annually, Keenan Recycling has helped the University significantly reduce its carbon footprint. By working with their Anaerobic Digestion (AD) partners, Keenan has transformed food waste into renewable energy.
“Our partnership with Keenan Recycling has been instrumental in helping us reduce our carbon footprint and make a positive impact on the environment,” said Andy Stahly, Environment Manager in the Environment and Transition Team at the University of St Andrews. “By diverting food waste from landfill and generating renewable energy, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.”
This food waste has been transformed into energy through anaerobic digestion, producing enough electricity to power 16 British homes for an entire year. In more relatable terms, this energy could enable 21,000 students to fully charge their smartphones or power 583 laptops for a whole year.
These achievements highlight the University’s commitment to sustainability and its ability to turn waste into valuable resources.
University of St Andrews: A leader in sustainability
The University of St Andrews is a pioneering institution, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability.
The University has made significant investments in renewable energy sources, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to a cleaner energy grid. By prioritising locally sourced, plant-based options, and reducing food waste, they are fostering a more sustainable food system.
“We are increasing our clean energy supplies by investing in Eden Campus, our biomass district heating network, and launching renewable energy projects in solar and wind,” says Andy Stahly, Environment Manager in the Environment and Transition Team at the University of St Andrews.
By reducing its carbon footprint, promoting biodiversity, and investing in renewable energy, the University is setting a powerful example for others to follow.
Commitment to sustainability
The University of St Andrews is a pioneer in sustainable food practices, prioritising local ingredients, plant-based options, and waste reduction. Their efforts have led to a 60% increase in locally sourced food, a 50% increase in plant-based menu options, and a significant reduction in single-use plastic waste.
Student engagement and education
The University is committed to educating and engaging students in environmental sustainability. “We offer internships, graduate positions, and volunteer opportunities within the Environment Team, empowering students to make a positive impact,” says Andy Stahly.
Challenges and solutions
One of the biggest challenges in managing food waste is reducing contamination. “We are always looking to reduce contamination wherever possible and are using smart technology to do so. Collecting waste data is important for the university, as we require this information for our many reports. Using a customised software allows us to track each vehicle and access live waste transfer notes provided by Keenan Recycling. This has been a useful feature,” confirms Andy Stahly.
Bright future for sustainability
The partnership between Keenan Recycling and the University of St Andrews is a shining example of how collaboration can drive positive change.
“We are proud to be partnering with an esteemed university such as St Andrews University,” said Ritchie Clark, Finance Director of Keenan Recycling. “We are hoping to help them with their sustainability goals and continue to efficiently service their various campuses.”
Keenan Recycling is a leading provider of sustainable waste management solutions. They are committed to helping schools, universities and organisations reduce their environmental impact by diverting waste from landfill and generating renewable energy.
Contact Keenan Recycling to learn more about how they can support your organisation’s sustainability goals.
Vision Techniques | Nursery children learn the importance of road safety with fun visit
Commercial Vehicle Safety and Security specialists, Vision Techniques, have visited a local nursery to teach them the importance of road safety.
During Road Safety Week, November 17 to November 23, Vision Techniques visited Puddleducks at Rising Bridge Nursery to give a talk to the nursery children aged between three and four.
During the visit, Sarah Wood, Finance Director at Vision Techniques, spoke to the children about crossing the road, holding hands, the different meanings behind the traffic lights and the importance of wearing seatbelts.
The children also took part in some fun traffic light games, tried on Vision Techniques high-vis and had a go at driving their handy little truck which is kitted out with VT products.
And so the children could continue to learn after the visit, Chloe Wilson, who looks after all the marketing at Vision Techniques made the children some colouring pages as part of a little goody bag, which included colouring pencils, a star reflector, a certificate for taking part and a letter for parents.
Leanne Hall, Manager of Puddleducks, said she was pleased with the experience.
She said: “Here at Puddleducks we have taken part in Road Safety Week as we feel it is crucial to teach our children from a young age the importance of road safety.
“They are learning the meanings of red, amber and green on the traffic lights, how we must sit nicely in our car seat and wear a seatbelt.
“Also how we must hold holds with our elders whilst crossing the roads and walking along pavements.
“During the week, the children took part in lots of craft activities and role play scenarios to support their learning.
“We want to thank Sarah and Vision Techniques for taking the time to come and speak to our children and give them the opportunity to experience the demonstration.”
As a company Vision Techniques not only want to make sure vehicles are safe, they want to ensure young people know the importance of road safety from a young age.
Sarah Wood said: “We attended a local nursery to discuss all aspects of road safety, this was to fit in with them learning about road safety week.
“It was great to see how many little ones knew the different signs as I believe it’s important to teach children to be aware of their surroundings and how to keep themselves safe.
“I think it’s extremely important to teach children from a young age about road safety, ensuring they understand the importance of holding hands with a parent or waiting for traffic to stop, this can prevent any disasters occurring.
“Children can very easily be swayed to run across a road but if we teach them from a young age they are more likely to remember this.”
Norse Group | Labour’s first budget impacts waste services
Norse Group CEO Justin Galliford believes that partnership working can help meet the increased financial challenges facing local government.
The new Labour government seems determined to avoid the accusation that austerity is returning, but it is clear that money will be in short supply for the public sector. While there is a commitment to improving public services, is it possible to have “sound money” at the same time?
There have been hints that longer-term funding deals are on the way, which will certainly help local government take a more strategic approach, and this may relieve some of the budgetary pressures. And the latest hints about devolution, with the implication of greater autonomy, may mean increased freedom to re-engineer waste services, which will help drive down costs. But this doesn’t tally with the recent reports that local authorities will not be allowed to collect residual waste any less than fortnightly – one of the most effective ways to reduce expenditure.
Waste authorities are still going to find it tough without further direct financial support. This leaves councils with a dilemma: demand is rising inexorably for key services, including waste. At the same time we have a skills shortage and rising labour costs; and we are all looking for ways to improve environmental performance and achieve net zero. All of this costs money.
As local government tries to square the circle, the question of whether to outsource or insource waste services keeps arising. There is a significant trend away from outsourcing, founded on a belief that the private sector providers no longer offer the required quality or cost savings; in addition local authorities are conscious that recent opinion polls show a strong preference among residents for waste services to be delivered inhouse; and members are looking for greater control over those services which matter most to their communities, especially in a time of uncertainty when statutory requirements are changing.
In my frequent discussions with local government leaders, it is clear that there is a willingness to explore different ways of delivering waste services, and an appetite for innovation. Insourcing looks more and more attractive, but it raises the question of which works best: a traditional DLO, or the more radical local authority trading company (LATCo) model?
Both satisfy the need for greater control over service delivery, more emphasis on social value and support for the local community; they also meet the residents’ preference for insourcing. But only a LATCo offers a truly commercial approach, with the ability to develop external revenues and deliver meaningful cost efficiencies.
If it is well run, a trading company can generate significant profits, returning cash to the public purse without compromising public service values. The development of a commercial culture can also influence how the council itself operates, helping deliver wider benefits.
However, getting a LATCo off the ground can be daunting, and the difficulties are easily underestimated. Members need to agree exactly what they want from it, and to have clear financial and strategic objectives. Setting up a trading company requires significant resources, and substantial investment; it also needs business skills and experience which councils may lack. And it seems unlikely that trading companies will escape the increased NIC costs included in the budget, eroding some of the financial advantages over a DLO.
In my view, the answer lies in collaboration. At Norse we have developed a partnership model which draws on our thirty-six years of trading experience. As a LATCo ourselves –wholly owned by Norfolk County Council – we have used the Teckal principle to form joint venture partnerships (themselves LATCos) with over twenty local authorities. Our council partners enjoy the benefits of trading without having to go through the (often tortuous) process of forming their own company; and they have access to the wider resources at our disposal, particularly in sales and marketing, which can help develop revenue streams and increase profit share.
I believe that this type of collaboration, pooling resources for the greater good, offers waste authorities a way to meet the financial challenges, and maintain their commitment to public service values.
Wood Recyclers’ Association | WRA launches updated Waste Wood Classification Toolkit
The Wood Recyclers’ Association has launched an updated Toolkit to help operators understand recent changes to waste wood classification.
In September, the Environment Agency said that all treated “amber” waste wood items from both the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) and demolition waste streams would be classified as non-hazardous.
This followed over six years of work by the WRA to gather the evidence needed to prove that the hazardous content of this material was negligible and reducing.
The updated Toolkit includes a Checklist, Frequently Asked Questions, WRA Acceptable Materials Guide and WRA Waste Wood Grading System.
These explain what the removal of Regulatory Position Statement 291 means for operators and how most demolition wood can now be moved and processed as non-hazardous, provided it is destined for panel board manufacture or Chapter IV biomass.
Julia Turner, Executive Director of the WRA, said: “We are delighted to launch this updated Toolkit which explains how moving and processing waste wood from households and demolition is now much simpler for operators and answers any questions people may have about the recent changes.”
The updated Toolkit can be found here.
Optimo | Optimo approved as supplier for the G-Cloud 14 framework
Optimo, a Leeds-based, female-owned operations consultancy has just been approved as a supplier for the G-Cloud 14 framework.
The G-Cloud 14 framework, which first opened in 2012 by the Crown Commercial Service, is an important part of the UK government’s Digital Marketplace as it simplifies the procurement process for public sector and non-profit organisations by providing access to a wide range of pre-approved suppliers offering cloud-based services.
By becoming part of G-Cloud 14, Optimo is well-positioned to contribute to the transformation of public sector, charity and non-profit operations, enabling greater efficiency, cost savings, and improved citizen services.
The decision to pursue the G-Cloud 14 framework was an easy one as it aligns with Optimo’s values and overarching mission, and we recognised that working with industries like higher education, charities, waste management and sustainable construction that we too needed to demonstrate commitment to delivering cutting-edge and secure technology and operational solutions, that are tailored to evolving needs of the public sector across the UK.
“We’re really proud of being accepted onto the framework, for which we had to provide evidence of robust governance, internal policies and social value commitments, which isn’t always easy for a relatively young, small business,” Danielle Heward, Optimo’s Founder, said.
The Crown Commercial Service’s rigorous selection process ensures that all suppliers meet high standards for quality, transparency, and value. Optimo’s inclusion in the framework provides public sector buyers with a trusted partner to navigate the complexities of cloud adoption and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Through the framework, Optimo offers the following services:
- Business Foundations: Helping small early-stage organisations to build firm operational practices.
- Business Discovery: Helping larger, more established organisations to identify and validate the root cause of operational problems and find solutions.
- Business Improvements: Helping larger, more established organisations to change through implementation of improvement initiatives already identified.
The Optimo team are looking forward to the continued positive impact they can help their clients to achieve, through optimised operations.
