People who want to know more about the opportunities of a circular economy, including major investment opportunities, are being urged not to miss out on a place at the 2016 Scottish Resources Conference, entitled Building a Circular Economy Together on 5th and 6th October at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
The stellar speaker list includes Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change, Environment and Land Reform, and Pierre Henry, from the European Commission’s DG Environment.
They will join global experts such as Mathis Wackernagel, President of Global Footprint Network, and Eco-Cycle International’s Executive Director Eric Lombardi.
The programme will also showcase innovative business models at the heart of the circular economy, including smartphone apps that help to divert surplus food, a successful Danish company leasing baby’s clothing as an alternative to ‘fast fashion’, and a Scottish biotechnology firm creating advanced fuels from whisky by-products.
The Conference, hosted by Sally Magnusson, will include discussions on global challenges facing the recycling industry, priorities for achieving Scotland’s food waste target, and how Scottish and European policy can work together to deliver a more circular economy.
Zero Waste Scotland will also be advising companies that they could benefit from its £18 million circular economy investment fund, launched by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon earlier this year.
Run jointly by CIWM and Zero Waste Scotland, the conference is an annual fixture, now in its 15th year. The conference will bring together a wide range of Scottish businesses, public sector and third sector organisations, practitioners, educators and policy makers. In fact, anyone who is passionate about global trends, growing their business, a waste free Scotland and developing a circular economy. The conference culminates in the Scottish Resources Awards, a celebration of success.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said:
“With a topical, thought-provoking agenda and an outstanding line-up of speakers, such as Mathis Wackernagel, a global promoter of sustainability, and the first chance for this conference to hear from our new cabinet Secretary Roseanna Cunningham, I’m really excited about this year’s Scottish Resources Conference. Focusing on building a circular economy to benefit all, this event is once again setting the pace.
“We’re also keen to hear from businesses and innovators with ideas to accelerate our shift to a circular economy. Zero Waste Scotland has £18 million to invest in SME businesses over the next three years, so there’s a real opportunity to turn ideas into action.”
Steve Lee, chief executive of CIWM, says:
“Circular economy thinking offers a real chance to develop a more sustainable and resource efficient future for Scotland’s communities and businesses, and Scottish Government and Zero Waste Scotland are leading from the front on this agenda. The impressive speaker line-up offers delegates a chance to be inspired by business leaders who are already realising the benefits of adopting circular approaches, and to understand the policy support and funding that is available to enable others to follow.”
A copy of the full programme can be viewed here.
To book visit http://www.scottish-resources.com/conference.php
Editor’s Notes
-
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’s 2020 growth strategy.
-
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 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 on CIWM can be found here www.ciwm.co.uk
For media enquiries contact: