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 Twenty-First 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.
CIWM Media Centre