Is the Circular Economy the New Frontier?

Join our speakers to gain a greater understanding of the critical success factors and risks of moving towards a circular economy, plus Q&A.

The circular economy (CE), promoted by the Ellen McArthur Foundation , the Waste Resource and Action Program (WRAP) and high-profile academic organizations, presents opportunities for reducing waste and pollution which damage the environment and waste precious resources.

The CE presents numerous environmental, economic and social benefits. Indeed, the CE is expected to generate £1,800 Bn in the EU alone, with the global economy gaining $4.5 trillion by the end of 2030.

Companies who implement CE practices however rarely extend these outside the boundaries of their organization – which is crucial in realising the full environmental and economic benefits. These organizations are also struggling to partner up in networks with other companies to design CE practices and processes.

This session will outline the critical success factors and risks to CE and provide food for thought as companies look to CE to support their carbon reduction plans and climate emergency declarations.

Following hearing from our speakers there will be a panel Q&A session facilitated by Anna Addison from Watford and Three Rivers Friends of the Earth.

Our speakers are:

Richard Collins – Founder of CSR-A
Enabling Environmental and Social Responsibility to build ethical and caring organisations

Richards aim is to help improve the world for future generations, by reducing the negative impact we have on the environment and by building a better and cohesive society. As an experienced brand strategist Richard has pursued a passion for helping companies in the public, private and third sector to promote their CSR and Sustainability efforts. Since 2018 CSR-A has developed a global Sustainability Training course and Workshops, Social Impact Reporting and a CSR programme for primary and secondary schools. CSR Accreditation now operates on an international stage with partners and offices being established throughout the globe. Richard is an international key- note speaker on sustainability. To compliment this he also co-runs the International CSR Excellence Awards.

Maurizio Catulli, Director, CRIJT

The Centre of Research In Just Transitions (www.crijt.org) is a Community of Interest Company which was established to conduct research in the pathways to transition to an environmentally and socially sustainable way of living. The focus of the research is to investigate why innovations which are promising from an environmental and social perspective fail to get established and thrive. A key focus of the research is to explore whether a transition to these sustainable innovations and ways of living may facilitate responsible consumption and production but may also harm people with disadvantages. CRIJT conducts foundational and contract research and offers educational services on the circular economy, sustainable innovation and social value.