19 July 2017


 Scottish Resources Conference: global experts gather to shape circular economy action

 

More than 400 delegates intent on shaping a more prosperous, sustainable future will be meeting in Scotland this September for the country’s premier circular economy event.

Now in its 16th year, the Scottish Resources Conference will see circular economy pioneers from across the globe attend the Edinburgh event, when it returns on 27 to 28 September 2017.

The conference speaking agenda will feature Prasad Boradkar, Design Lead at global internet giant Google; Mike Barry of Marks and Spencer’s award-winning Plan A programme; and Bea Johnson, founder of the Zero Waste Lifestyle Movement. The ministerial address will be delivered by Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP.

This year’s Scottish Resources Conference – which is delivered by Zero Waste Scotland and partners CIWM and SEPA, and hosted by BBC Scotland’s Sally Magnusson – will look at the next steps in Scotland’s circular economy agenda following the publication of Making Things Last and the country’s Circulars Award presented at the World Economic Forum earlier this year.

With Scottish Ministers having signalled their intention to introduce a Circular Economy and Zero Waste Bill to the Scottish Parliament, panellists from SEPA, APSE, WRAP and the Association of the Green Alliance will share their ideas for transformational change with delegates.

The conference, held at Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), will also include insightful discussion on some of the biggest challenges and success stories of the circular economy to date. These will include food waste reduction and its prominence as a ‘hot-button’ issue; what’s being done to reduce Scotland’s litter and flytipping blight; and a look at the social and community benefits of making things last – which are in addition to the trillion-pound economic opportunities¹ attached to a more circular economy in Europe.

The must-attend annual event, which this year falls during UK-wide Recycle Week, will also showcase some of the most innovative contemporary and up-and-coming circular economy business models out there.

With new dedicated informal meeting areas and delegates including entrepreneurs, circular economy innovators, investors, sustainability experts, researchers and decision-makers at both local at national level expected to attend, the conference also offers a unique networking opportunity for organisations at any stage of their circular economy journey.

It will culminate in the Scottish Resources Awards, a celebration of circular economy success.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said:

“Scotland is internationally recognised as a leading circular economy nation. We’re proud of our growing reputation as circular economy pioneers, and the Scottish Resources Conference has a key part to play in not only articulating what we’re already doing but more importantly where we might go next.”

“Given the Scottish Government’s plans for a Circular Economy Bill, it’s an exciting time for us all to get together at The Scottish Resources Conference to share our ideas with a view to fast-tracking the circular economy even more,” Iain concluded.

"Scotland is positioning itself as a circular economy leader and the Zero Waste and Circular Economy Bill is the next stage in this ambitious process," says CIWM chief executive Dr Colin Church. “Through the Scottish Resources Conference, Zero Waste Scotland, CIWM and SEPA are providing an invaluable forum for stakeholders from across product and service supply chains to come together to participate in and support these efforts.”

Terry A’Hearn, SEPA’s Chief Executive, said:

"At some point this century, all economies will be circular. There will be no 'resource-unwise' economies and the only successful businesses will be highly resource efficient. There will be no choice and Scotland understands this. This conference is not a talk-fest. It will bring people together to share existing successes and, more importantly, work out how to do more and help the world to the only future that is possible - a resource efficient one."

To view the full programme, and to book, visit www.scottish-resources.com

 

ENDS

 

 

 

¹ Towards the Circular Economy (Vol 1 and 3), Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2012 and 2014:
http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/business/reports

 

Editor’s Notes

  • Image shows: Zero Waste Scotland CEO, Iain Gulland, and Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham MSP, who will be among the speakers at the Scottish Resources Conference in September.
  • Zero Waste Scotland exists to create a society where resources are valued and nothing is wasted. Our goal is to help Scotland realise the economic, environmental and social benefits of making best use of the world’s limited natural resources. We are funded to support delivery of the Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy and the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy.
  • More information on all Zero Waste Scotland’s programmes can be found at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk . You can also keep up to date with the latest from Zero Waste Scotland though via our social media channels - Twitter | Facebook | Google Plus | LinkedIn

     

  • The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information visit the website or follow @scotgovESIF.
  • CIWM (Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 6,000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

     

  • Partner boilerplate copy: SEPA

 

 

For media enquiries contact:

Claire Munro, PR Manager, Zero Waste Scotland                                                                                                          t: 01786 239791
m: 07702976594
e: claire.munro@zerowastescotland.org.uk