12,000 visitors are set to descend on the NEC in Birmingham on 11-12 September 2024 for two action-packed days. Check out our live updates for what Circular is up to at the event.
Fireside chat with TV presenter Chris Packham
The afternoon of RWM kicked off with a fireside chat featuring renowned naturalist, TV presenter, photographer, author, and speaker, Chris Packham.
The session was also recorded for the Planet Possible Podcast whose host Nikki Roach opened the chat by asking Packham for his state of the nation.
Packham highlighted two main areas of concern: biodiversity and the climate breakdown. He also explained how, because the two issues are so intertwined, they are perceived as an existential threat; an overwhelming challenge that is difficult to know where to start addressing.
Previously, Packham has spoken about finding a middle ground when pressing for solutions to these twin problems, which he was asked to expand on during the chat.
Packham expressed that there are some areas where we don’t have time to compromise, such as the continued use of fossil fuels. This doesn’t mean being unrealistic, he emphasised, and asking to shut off fossil fuel licences over night, but advocating for a realistic alternative that is kinder to the plant.
“If we’re going to oppose something, we need to propose something,” Packham told a packed crowd. “That is a proactive, positive and progressive approach.”
He called for environmentalists and campaigners to exercise patience and be kind while pressing for positive change.
Packham discussed how some industries will suffer as a result of the green transition and campaigners must support them, not accept job losses as an acceptable consequence of going green.
“Anger can be an energy but it is only effective if it is transferred into something creative,” Packham said.
The session ended with Packham issuing a rallying call, asking delegates to take part in a passive economic protest by moving their money into an ethical bank that doesn’t invest in the fossil fuel industry.
Panel: How your business can thrive and survive in the circular future
This insightful panel, hosted by Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP, dived into practical examples of circular economy initiatives have been implemented in huge global companies.
Shrewsbury opened discussions by asking the panel how to ensure business initiatives are delivering environmental improvements and benefits.
Lauren Rabbitte, Associate Director at Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS), emphasised the importance of ensuring buy-in from the whole workforce. Rabbitte also echoed the rest of the panel when she explained how crucial targets are for ensuring positive outcomes from initiatives.
Kieren Mayers, Vice President, Environment, Social, & Governance at Sony Interactive Entertainment, stressed that companies can make the mistake of thinking there is a silver bullet.
Mayers explained how some solutions can seem like they would be effective but can actually be bad for the environment, citing the example of concrete recycling, which he said produces more emissions than disposing of waste concrete.
Geoff Mackey, UK Head at Plasticseurope, advised businesses to look for their hot spots and establish what matters most to the company. He said organisations need to have a list of what matters and aligned targets.
The conversation evolved onto the subject of e-waste and Mayers gave his perspective on why people often hold onto electronic products.
There are two types of behaviour behind hoarding electricals, Mayers explained, expecting to pass on the product to a friend or family member, and storing the item and not getting around to disposing of it.
With video game consoles, which he has extensive experience with as Sony produces PlayStation, they may also be kept for nostalgic reasons. It’s wrong to make people feel guilty for hoarding electricals, Mayers said, as there is an alternative story behind this behaviour.
As a solution, Matt Manning, Head of Circular Economy at BT Group plc, emphasised the importance of communicating with customers at every touch-point on their journey.
Making customers aware of the different options for recycling their old tech is vital, Manning argued. The processes also need to be simple and instil a sense of pride as the consumer knows their participating in a positive behaviour.
Mobile phones are one electronic item that is often hoarded out of concern about data. The panel explored how people are often hesitant to hand over their old devices out of concern for their privacy.
To address these concerns, Manning called for businesses to build trust by addressing apprehensions transparently and honestly.
The panel discussed how transparency builds trust as it enables customers to understand what happens to their phones and consequently their data.
How do close the green skills gap to reach net zero?
Kicking off the first day of the Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM Expo) at the SUMMIT THEATRE was the “Enabling the Net Zero transition – Unleashing green talent through training, mentoring and networks”.
Featuring fascinating insights from former CIWM President Dr Adam Read MBE, CIWM’s Nathan Cookson, and IEMA CEO Martin Baxter, the panel dived into the green skills gap including Where is the green skills gap? How will we work with industry and government to close the gap? And what does the sector’s transition look like?
Martin Baxter, CEO of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), started by warning against what he called myopia over net zero.
The Labour Government has put the Green Jobs Delivery Group, which Read and Baxter sat on, on ice for now. Instead, they have focused on jobs and skills in the energy sector through the office for clean energy jobs.
Baxter labelled this decision “misguided” as green jobs will be needed across all sectors if the UK is going to transition to net zero.
Read explained that the decarbonisation agenda is a broad church and skills are needed from a wide range of sectors, including roles that are not traditionally thought of as green, such as electricians.
Cookson, Head of Learning & Development at CIWM, jumped in to point out the glaring employment gaps in the net zero transition.
He explained that 140,000 people are currently required in the reuse and refurbishment area of the waste and resource sector.
To help recruit people to this area, and give them the skills needed to succeed, CIWM launched reuse qualifications and accredited training that link to reuse hubs popping up across the country, Cookson explained.
He also highlighted the Skills for the Future Working Group, comprising 80 industry experts, which supports work with schools, colleges, and universities to highlight the exciting and rewarding opportunities a career in waste management and the circular economy offers.
Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer at SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Dr Adam Read MBE asked the panel about practical delivery, and what actions their organisations are taking that are having an impact.
Baxter highlighted IEMA’s work providing degree apprenticeships, citing the sustainable business specialist apprenticeship, which he explained was proving popular.
He went on to discuss how he finds young people don’t see how working in utilities, infrastructure and construction can have a positive environmental impact. Baxter emphasised the importance of working to inspire students and young people to want to pursue these careers.
Cookson said that he believes narrative is key to achieving this mindset shift and pushed for government support to highlight the resource and waste sector’s role in the green transition.
Cookson also described how the sector needs to explain what learning green skills will deliver in the future. The narrative needs to show a clear pathway to students and learners, so they know what their next steps will be if they decide to pursue a green skills educational opportunity.
The Future of Environment & Sustainability: The pace of change must accelerate
The 2024 Environmental Services and Solutions Expo (RWM) served as a critical platform for discussing the future of sustainability. The summit panel, “The Future of Environment & Sustainability: 2024,” brought together leading voices in environmental policy, technology, and business to dissect the evolving landscape of sustainability and chart the course for the future.
Bethany Cockshutt, Associate at The Carbon Trust, highlighted the growing trend of traceability and transparency in supply chains as a key development. “Consumers are increasingly aware of their waste—whether in food or packaging—and businesses are responding by implementing circular models,” Cockshutt noted, referencing Doc Martens’ repair and resell programme aimed at reducing waste and emissions. She stressed the need for further collaboration between industries and consumers to achieve lasting progress.
Chani Courtney, Regional Representative for Surfers Against Sewage, echoed the importance of collaboration, focusing on plastic waste reduction. Courtney’s organisation has launched numerous community-driven campaigns like Plastic-Free Schools and Million Mile Beach Cleanups. “Plastic-free initiatives are reshaping businesses and communities,” Courtney said, emphasising the need for systemic infrastructure improvements to prevent microplastics from entering waterways and food chains.
Policy shifts were another focal point of the discussion, with multiple panellists calling for stronger regulations to drive the circular economy forward. Cockshutt pointed to refillable bottle initiatives as an example, noting that the right infrastructure and consumer participation are essential for success. “Legislation is crucial, but so is consumer buy-in,” she said, advocating for clearer government mandates and cleaner supply chains.
Partnerships are vital, but they must continually assess their impact
Jennifer Brown, Associate Director of Public Services Advisory at Grant Thornton UK LLP, drew attention to the imminent launch of weekly food waste collections as a potentially game-changing policy. “This will not only improve recycling rates but also make people more aware of their food waste,” Brown predicted, calling for more innovation in recyclable packaging as part of the solution.
Jonathan Porritt, writer and environmental campaigner, took a more critical stance, calling for greater scrutiny of partnerships that might become complacent over time. “Partnerships are vital, but they must continually assess their impact,” Porritt warned, urging the audience to push for sustained, meaningful change.
Throughout the discussion, one common thread emerged: the need for collective action and stronger regulatory frameworks. The panel underscored that while promising trends are emerging, particularly in technology and community initiatives, the pace of change must accelerate.
Waste Industry Leaders Tackle Decarbonisation and Policy Challenges
The “Leaders in Waste” panel addressed key issues surrounding decarbonisation, regulatory changes, and the need for cross-industry collaboration to achieve a more sustainable future.
Moderated by Anna Willetts, Partner at Gunner Cooke LLP, the panel featured insights from key executives, including Jenny Harrison, Chief Financial Officer of enfinium, John Scanlon, CEO of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, Maxine Mayhew, COO of Collections & Specialist Services at Biffa, and Neil Grundon, Chairman of Grundon.
Decarbonising waste collection fleets emerged as a focal point in the discussion. Jenny Harrison highlighted Infinium’s commitment to decarbonisation, including their involvement in a carbon capture project at their North Wales facility. “The carbon removal opportunity is enormous for the UK, and energy-from-waste plants can be a critical component,” Harrison noted.
The carbon removal opportunity is enormous for the UK, and energy-from-waste plants can be a critical component
Neil Grundon pointed to the hurdles faced by waste management companies in transitioning from diesel-powered vehicles to electric and hydrogen alternatives. “The cost of an electric vehicle is double that of a diesel truck, and hydrogen vehicles are even more expensive,” said Grundon. He stressed the need for infrastructure investment and alternative energy sources, such as solar, to power remote depots.
John Scanlon added that decarbonisation is not just about fleet transformation but also about reducing consumption and shifting from weight-based to carbon-based metrics. “We [the waste sector] deal with everyone’s Scope 3 emissions, and difficult industries rely on us to help them achieve net-zero targets,” he emphasised.
Navigating Complex Regulations and Policy Changes
The waste management sector is undergoing rapid regulatory changes, including the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), Deposit Return Schemes (DRS), and emissions trading systems. Harrison and Scanlon both acknowledged the complexity of adapting to these overlapping regulations, which require collaboration across the value chain.
Scanlon noted that while organisations are preparing, the uncertainty surrounding specific policy details is making it difficult for companies to plan effectively. “Our customers want absolute clarity on legislation and funding to make informed decisions about contracts and investments,” he stated.
Decarbonising fleets and greening operations are significant challenges, but also exciting opportunities for the future of the UK’s circular economy
Maxine Mayhew highlighted the wave of regulations and the resulting demand for green skills within the industry. “Decarbonising fleets and greening operations are significant challenges, but also exciting opportunities for the future of the UK’s circular economy,” she said. Mayhew emphasised the importance of developing a shared vision across the industry to ensure consistent progress toward sustainability goals.
The panel also touched on the need to address employment issues, with Scanlon advocating for greater flexibility in workforce management, including the potential for a four-day workweek in certain contracts. Grundon voiced concerns about the impact of new employment regulations on the industry, fearing they might slow down workforce expansion.
The Role of Technology and Digitisation
An audience member raised a question about the role of digitisation in waste management. In response, panellists acknowledged the growing importance of data and technology in improving efficiency. Maxine Mayhew noted that Biffa has been working on AI-driven projects to optimise sorting and processing, while Grundon discussed the use of AI in improving health and safety.
John Scanlon reflected on the sector’s progress in leveraging data, stating, “We’ve been weighing bins for the last 10 years, and the insights we gain from this data allow us to create bespoke solutions for our customers.”
Public sector offices are difficult to reach, and discussions about collaboration can take months. This is a huge missed opportunity
The discussion wrapped up with a call for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors. The panellists stressed that while corporate partnerships are thriving, there is a significant opportunity for better cooperation with the public sector, particularly in sharing resources and aligning objectives.
“Public sector offices are difficult to reach, and discussions about collaboration can take months. This is a huge missed opportunity,” Grundon said.
As the UK waste management industry continues to evolve, the RWM 2024 panel made it clear that innovation, regulatory adaptation, and collaboration will be key drivers in achieving a sustainable, decarbonised future.
Moving Towards a Circular Economy – Challenges and Opportunities
The push towards a circular economy in the UK took centre stage in the afternoon of day 2 at RWM 2024 during session “Working Towards a Circular Economy,” led by Emma Bourne OBE, Director of Resources and Waste at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The session highlighted the government’s focus on transitioning the UK towards a more resource-efficient, zero-waste economy, emphasising the role of citizens, industry, and international partnerships in making this shift.
Bourne opened the discussion by outlining the government’s intention to integrate circular economy principles into the UK’s economic landscape. “We are talking about using fewer resources, extending the life of materials, and reducing environmental impact,” she said.
Bourne pointed out that transitioning to a circular economy is not just an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity, with packaging reforms alone expected to generate 21,000 new jobs and stimulate over £10 billion of investment.
The role of the citizen is critical in this journey, and behaviour change is essential
A major theme of the session was the importance of citizen engagement and behaviour change in driving a circular economy. Bourne stressed the need to create a citizen-centred approach to resource use and waste reduction, acknowledging that achieving meaningful change would require public buy-in.
“The role of the citizen is critical in this journey, and behaviour change is essential,” she said. Bourne also emphasised that transitioning to circularity is not only about reducing waste but also about improving the quality of life, particularly in addressing issues like waste crime and environmental degradation in local communities.
Challenges Ahead: Regulatory Framework and Investment
As part of its roadmap for a circular economy, the government aims to create an environment that encourages long-term investment and innovation. This includes improving regulatory frameworks to give businesses the confidence they need to make strategic decisions.
Bourne explained that Defra intends to work closely with industry experts, academics, and civil society to develop comprehensive strategies that account for both sector-specific and economy-wide approaches.
“We are not starting from scratch. Packaging reforms, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and deposit return schemes are already in place, but we need to build on these foundations to create a fully circular economy,” Bourne said.
Packaging reforms, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and deposit return schemes are already in place, but we need to build on these foundations to create a fully circular economy
During the Q&A session, Craig Anderson from the Reuse Network raised the issue of including social value as a core component of the circular economy strategy. He emphasised the broader social benefits of reuse initiatives, particularly in low-income communities. Anderson urged the government to recognise the role of reuse charities in supporting social inclusion while reducing waste.
Bourne responded positively to Anderson’s comments, agreeing that the social dimension of the circular economy is often underappreciated. “We need to harness that learning and evidence to make a strong case for the broader social value of circularity,” she said, encouraging stakeholders to participate in the government’s task force.
As the panel concluded, Bourne reiterated the UK government’s commitment to the circular economy and the collaborative approach required to achieve it. She highlighted that building a circular economy will not be easy, but the potential benefits—for the environment, the economy, and society—are too significant to ignore.
