Press Release
26 June 2018
Scottish Resources Conference: Top circular economy event to tackle totemic sustainability challenges
From marine plastics to food waste, some of the most iconic issues facing the environment will be on the agenda for Scotland’s premier circular economy event this autumn.
The plastics plight of Scotland’s oceans, the incoming ban on biodegradable waste to landfill, construction waste, and Scotland’s planned deposit return scheme, will all be examined at this year’s Scottish Resources Conference.
The event, delivered by Zero Waste Scotland and partners CIWM and SEPA, and hosted once again by BBC Scotland’s Sally Magnusson, has become a must-attend for professionals in Scotland’s circular economy and resources sector. Innovators, investors, sustainability experts and decision-makers at both local and national level are expected to be represented when the event returns to the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 3-4 October, 2018. Booking is now live and the conference programme available to view.
Delegates will hear from a number of exciting speakers, including circular economy visionary Mark Shayler, Founder and Director of innovation and sustainability consultancy Ape and a founding partner of the Do Lectures and Greenlabs; and Ian Schofield, Own Label and Packaging Manager at Iceland Foods, which has been at the forefront of recent commitments to recyclable packaging. The ministerial address will be delivered by Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham MSP.
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said:
“The Scottish Resources Conference 2018 comes at an exciting time for the circular economy and resources industry. This year alone we have driven forward ambitious plans for Scotland’s deposit return scheme, continued to invest in more circular approaches to business, and are preparing to host an international circular economy showcase –
Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland – in the coming months.
“This momentum is reflected in the programme for this year’s conference, where delegates will have the opportunity to explore sustainability challenges in a new and improved format. A series of interactive workshops will be on offer as an alternative to the two-stream approach exhibited at earlier events.
“With serious sustainability challenges on the horizon, the Scottish Resources Conference is an unmissable opportunity to be part of a proactive solution – driving a more circular landscape both in Scotland and as part of a global sustainable community. I would encourage anyone with an interest in Scotland’s sustainable future – or in maximising circular economy opportunities for their own business – to secure their place at this must-attend event.”
Now in its 17th year, the Scottish Resources Conference offers a unique networking opportunity for organisations at any stage of their circular economy journey – as well as a chance to find out more about the support and funding on offer for circular economy actions that generate economic as well as environmental benefits.
The conference will culminate in the Scottish Resources Awards, a celebration of circular economy success – which this year will feature new categories including the Young Person Award, recognising young talent in the Year of Young People 2018.
Dr Colin Church, Chief Executive of CIWM, said:
“Supporting Scotland’s firm commitment to making the circular economy real, this year’s programme focuses on some of the main priorities ahead, including developing new approaches to biodegradable waste and, of course, the question of what we can collectively do to tackle plastic waste. Importantly, it also looks at the ‘how’ as well as the ‘why’, with interactive workshops sharing good practice and exploring what skills and new business models will be needed.”
Terry A’Hearn, Chief Executive of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said:
“From climate change to the circular economy, Scotland is driving globally ambitious, internationally recognised policy with a purpose. It’s policy that recognises the economic, as well as environmental, opportunity of a more sustainable, resource efficient Scotland.
“The most successful countries in the 21st century will have circular economies which extract maximum value from our waste and function within our planet’s means to support us. By supporting individual businesses and industry to go beyond compliance and introduce truly innovative solutions which ensure the environment is protected and waste criminality is prevented, Scotland has the unique opportunity to set the trend on a global scale.”
To view the full Scottish Resources Conference programme, and to book, visit
www.scottish-resources.com
An early bird booking discount will be live until 31 July 2018, representing a saving of up to £30 per delegate.
One day rate £179 plus VAT until 31 July – thereafter £199+VAT.
Two day rate £269 plus VAT until 31 July – thereafter £299+VAT.
ENDS
Editor’s Notes
About Zero Waste Scotland
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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.
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Zero Waste Scotland launched the Resource Efficient Scotland programme in 2013 to help small to medium sized businesses and organisations save money and energy by using resources more efficiently. It is funded by the European Structural Funds Programme and the Scottish Government. Find out more at
www.resourceefficientscotland.org.uk
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The Resource Efficient Circular Economy Accelerator Programme Fund is administered by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. It is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
•
The Scottish Government is the Managing Authority for the European Structural Funds 2014-20 Programme. For further information visit the
website or follow @scotgovESIF.
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Scotland will host the
Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland in November 2018. The international trade show will showcase Scotland’s strategic and practical leadership on the circular economy, and follows successful events in Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
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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 -
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Facebook |
Google Plus |
LinkedIn
About CIWM
CIWM is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 5,500 individuals in the UK, Ireland 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
About SEPA
Every day, SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment, helping communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our planet. We call this One Planet Prosperity.
As Scotland’s principal environmental regulator, our role is to ensure that the environment and human health are protected and improved, in ways that contribute to sustainable economic growth.
For media enquiries contact:
Harriet Brace, PR Project Manager, Zero Waste Scotland
t: 01786 237 342
m: 07816 226323
e:
harriet.brace@zerowastescotland.org.uk
Claire Munro, PR Manager, Zero Waste Scotland
m: 07702 976594
e:
claire.munro@zerowastescotland.org.uk
Scottish Resources Conference image caption (pictured left to right):
SEPA Chief Executive Terry A’Hearn; Dr Nicki Souter, chair of the CIWM Scotland Centre; Zero Waste Scotland CEO Iain Gulland; and Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Roseanna Cunningham.