INCPEN appoints new Chairman
The Industry Council for research on Packaging and the Environment (INCPEN) has named David Baker as its new Chairman.
Baker will assume the role with immediate effect.
He takes over from Chairman Ian Blythe, who is stepping down after six years in the position to become Head of Corporate Social Responsibility – Global Wholesale and International Retail at Walgreens Boot Alliance.
Baker has been in the metal and plastics sector for 30 years and is currently Commercial Director of RPC Promens, where he also hs responsibility for sustainability activities.
Commenting on his new role, Baker said: “For many years INCPEN has brought much needed common sense to the environmental debate around packaging, always based on solid scientific fact and I very much look forward to working with the INCPEN team.”
INCPEN Director Jane Bickerstaffe said: “We are delighted that David has agreed to step into the role and we hope that the next few years will not be as busy and full of major changes to our industry as the past six. We have been very fortunate to have Ian’s calm, experienced and measured steer during some challenging times and we are confident that David will lead us with just as much vigour.”
Find out more about INCPEN.
bio-bean launches coffee grounds collection service
Green energy company bio-bean has launched a London-wide collection service, recycling wasted coffee grounds into advanced biofuels.
The project, run in collaboration recycling company First Mile, aims to help power office buildings and supermarkets throughout the capital.
Under the scheme, coffee grounds from coffee shops, office blocks and transport hubs will be transported to bio-bean’s reprocessing facility, which it claims can process 50,000 tonnes of waste coffee grounds every year, ‘the equivalent of one in every ten cups of coffee drunk in the UK’.
With the facility running at full capacity, it says, the grounds will be able to generate enough power to heat over 15,000 homes.
The project was launched earlier this week by London Mayor Boris Johnson and MP Zac Goldsmith.
Johnson commented: “Our green economy is booming and I want the next generation of low carbon entrepreneurs to help make London the greenest, most innovative city on earth.
bio-bean chief executive Arthur Kay said: “The London collection service marks a milestone in our UK development, as we collect waste coffee grounds at every scale, saving money on waste disposal fees and creating sustainability advantages for each of our clients. “
Read more about bio-bean.
Viridor appoints new Director of Business
Waste management firm Viridor has appointed Chris Jonas as its new Director of Business.
In the role, Jonas will be responsible for research and analysis, strategic planning and public sector development across the company’s core energy divisions. He will also take on responsibility for business research interests and will chair the company’s technology and innovation steering group.
Having served in a number of senior roles for the company since he first joined in 2003, including holding the position of Head of Strategic Development since 2010.
Following Jonas’s appointment, Paul Ringham, Commerical Director for Viridor said: ‘With an impressive track record as Head of Strategic Development at Viridor and over 18 years of experience in the sector, Chris was the outstanding candidate for this senior leadership role. We’re confident that Chris can contribute strongly to driving the company forward.’
Learn more about the waste initiatives run by Viridor.
Bioeconomy workshop to explore potential of sector in UK
The Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) is to hold a Bioeconomy Workshop for stakeholders to discuss the future and potential of the sector in the UK.
Taking place on 22 September at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, by the NEC in Birmingham, the event will explore the political, financial and commercial side of the sector and speakers from a number of organisations will talk about their experiences and illustrate policies that could aid its growth in the UK.
BBIA is a newly formed association, having launched earlier this year. It aims to represent ‘the circular bioeconomy sector’, which it says is ‘currently under-represented in public and political debates’.
Participation is free of charge, and registration is open until Friday 18 September.
Find out more about the BBIA Bioeconomy Workshop.
Registration opens for European Paper Week 2015
The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) has opened registration for European Paper Week 2015, taking place in Brussels on 17-19 November.
This year’s event, which has the overarching theme of ‘Paper Industry 4.0’, will have economist Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends, as its keynote speaker.
The three-day event will also include commission representatives who will explain the current state of Paper Industry 4.0 as well as sessions on EU policies to provide insight into future plans for the industry.
Read more about European Paper Week.
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.