The UK waste and resources sector is undergoing transformation. With packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) now live, deposit return schemes on the horizon, and circular economy principles embedded in ministerial portfolios, the industry is at an inflection point. These reforms may add up to billions of investment over the next decade.

The challenge extends beyond policy implementation. Creating economically viable circular systems requires catalysing infrastructure investment, driving behaviour change among citizens and businesses, upgrading existing processes to support closed-loop recycling, and embedding reuse and repair at scale. Success demands full-system thinking combined with operational delivery – a rare combination of skills that warrant recognition.

It’s in this context that the Resource Hot100 looks to shine a light on the tremendous work going on to achieve this. Now in its 21st year, our annual poll aims to identify people who are driving progress across this diverse landscape – from policy architects and operational leaders to innovators and communicators who translate complexity for wider audiences.

The 2025 Resource Hot100

This year's poll attracted tremendous engagement, with over 13,000 votes cast. The results reflect growing recognition of the circular economy's importance and the breadth of talent required to deliver it.

Esther Carter, recently appointed Chief Strategy Officer at PackUK, has been voted this year’s winner of the Hot100. This follows the launch of the organisation to manage packaging EPR.
"I'm truly honoured, and honestly a little shocked," Carter said. "There are so many inspiring leaders on this list that I look up to; I was delighted to even be nominated amongst them, let alone winning."

Joining her in the top 10 of this year’s list is a mix of new faces and established industry. It features people noted for communicating ideas - alongside Talking Rubbish podcast hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth, the top 10 includes Kayleigh Lee-Simion creator of the Circular Digest and Keep Britain Tidy’s Anna Scott.

Also voted to the top of this year’s list are technical specialists from WRAP, Jordan Girling and Adam Herriot and industry leaders, Suez’s Stuart Hayward-Higham and CIRQLR CEO David Palmer-Jones.

Marcus Brew, Managing Director at UNTHA UK, the lead sponsor of this year's award commented: "The Resource Hot 100 is something that UNTHA has sponsored again in 2025 as it truly highlights the amazing talent across the industry.

"It puts a spotlight on the wonderful individuals who drive change and share their incredible knowledge across the waste and resources sector. Every single person on that list is deserving of the recognition - well done to you all!

A special mention to the overall winner – Esther Carter, chief strategy officer at PackUK - for her dedication to both people and the planet. A well deserved win!“

Category winners recognised

This year’s Hot100 includes three categories recognising specific areas of impact across the sector. Tom Szaky, CEO and founder of TerraCycle and Loop, claims Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Salvation Army Trading Company, for his work developing recycling solutions for previously unprocessable materials and establishing reuse systems now operating in 345 French stores.

Mitchell Platt, founder and Chief Packing Officer of YoYo Grocery, was named Refill Reuse Pioneer, sponsored by Refill Return, for developing what the company describes as the world's first HDPE flexible packaging system for groceries, achieving a 94 per cent packaging return rate.

James Piper, co-host of the Talking Rubbish podcast and co-owner of Ecosurety, wins Communicator of the Year, sponsored by GreyParrot, for making complex recycling information accessible to both industry professionals and the general public.

Esther Carter: From international impact to UK transformation

Carter's place at the top of the Hot 100 reflects a career trajectory that has taken her from data analytics for Tesco to sustainability projects for McKinsey & Company to hands-on systems change in Indonesia, Argentina, and Brazil. As Global Director of Programmes at Delterra, she led the organisation's flagship "Rethinking Recycling" programme, achieving recycling rates of 60 to 80 per cent in resource-constrained environments.

"Delterra is an environmental non-profit, working in the global South to build more circular waste systems and behaviours," Carter explains. "We partnered with government, businesses and local communities – running behaviour change campaigns, optimising MRF performance and advising on regulation. It was systems change at its most hands-on."

Her international experience taught lessons directly applicable to the UK context. "Whilst the context in the countries I worked across may have been different to the UK, the core problems are strikingly similar: creating an economically viable model, catalysing investment in infrastructure and changing citizen behaviour to name but a few," she says.

Carter brings this systems-thinking approach to PackUK as shifts to live operations. The organisation officially launched in January 2025 as the scheme administrator for packaging EPR, responsible for setting fee rates, collecting fees from obligated producers, and making payments to local authorities to cover the cost of managing household packaging waste.

The appointment to PackUK's Chief Strategy Officer role marked Carter's return to the UK full-time after years working internationally. She joins CEO Jeremy Blake in leading the implementation of reforms expected to reshape the UK's approach to sustainable packaging.

"I was immediately drawn to the Chief Strategy Officer role from the moment I read the job description," Carter reflects. "It's a huge opportunity to help design a system that not only reduces packaging waste, but also builds long-term resilience, stimulates innovation and investment, and drives public engagement."

Carter identifies clear priorities for the transition to a circular economy. "I believe the UK already has a lot of the right priorities, it's about bringing them to life and making them happen," she states. "Firstly, introducing EPR will be a significant milestone and one that will pave the way to incentivising greater circularity and more effective collection systems.

Secondly, reforming the PRN system to support domestic reprocessing. And thirdly, I am excited about policy changes that will drive greater reuse and repair in the system, as recycling is only the tip of the iceberg for a more circular economy."

Keen to recognise the work already done to establish PackUK in its early stages, she says: "It would be remiss not to thank last year's winner [of the Resource Hot100], Margaret Bates for everything she has done to get PackUK up and running, as Jez Blake and I step into new roles to take the work forward."

Industry Trends and Future Challenges

This year's Resource Hot100 highlights the breadth of expertise driving the UK's transition to a circular economy. Spanning policy development, operational excellence, and innovation across the entire waste and resources value chain, the list demonstrates the diverse skills and talent essential to advancing sustainability.

As the waste and resources sector continues its transformation, the Resource Hot 100 aims to throw a spotlight onto of those leading the UK towards a more sustainable, circular future.

The complete list appears below, each entry accompanied by a selected comment from those who nominated them. Congratulations to everyone featured on this year's list.

Thank you to our Resource Hot 100 2025 sponsor, Untha, for helping us celebrate the outstanding contributions being made across the sector this year.

Key

This year's position Last year's position

NE - Completely new entry to the Hot 100
RE - Re-entry that didn't rank in 2024

1 NE Esther Carter Job title: Chief Strategy Officer Company: PackUK "Excellent understanding of the complex challenges in the waste industry and holistic view of solutions"

2 8 James Piper Job title: Founder Company: Co-owner, Ecosurety "James inspires so many people not only across the industry but the general public too, thanks to the Rubbish Book and the Talking Rubbish podcast. A legend!"

3 NE Mitchell Platt Job title: Founder Company: Yoyo Grocery "Well thought out business model with a personal quality you don't get elsewhere. Always looking at ways to reduce his company's plastic footprint."

4 NE Jordan Girling Job title: Head of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Company: WRAP "He genuinely cares about the impact that products and processes have on the environment and climate. He works hard to do his part to tackle the climate crisis."

5 2 Robbie Staniforth Job title: Innovation and Policy Director Company: Ecosurety "Robbie manages to bring a sophisticated grip on the technical and policy elements of sustainability to new audiences in an accessible, engaging approach that puts the human at the heart of the issue."

6 22 Adam Herriott Job title: Senior Specialist Company: WRAP "Adam is a super brain when it comes to all things packaging! His wit and ability to challenge a status quo make him an industry super hero."

7 NE Kayleigh Lee-Simion Job title: Lead - Plastics & Circular Economy Company: CDP "Kayleigh is an outstanding source of knowledge about all things Circular Economy, and is always happy to share this knowledge and help build the capacity of others!"

8 RE David Palmer-Jones OBE Job title: CEO Company: CIRQLR Group "David is an inspirational leader with a clear vision of the circular economy."

9 23 Stuart Hayward-Higham Job title: Chief Technical Development and Innovation Officer Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK "He works non-stop to make positive change for the waste sector and we would be lost without his expertise."

10 7 Anna Scott Job title: Director of Services Company: Keep Britain Tidy "Anna is absolutely dedicated to the waste reduction agenda - a real powerhouse!"

11 14 Anna Willetts Job title: Partner, Gunner Cooke, and past president of the CIWM Company: Partner, Gunner Cooke, and past president of the CIWM "Anna is a byword for commitment and determination- an inspirational person and consummate professional"

12 RE Tom Szaky Job title: CEO and Founder Company: TerraCycle "Transforming how we think about some of the most difficult waste problems - a true pioneer!"

13 19 Carla Brian Job title: Head of Partnerships Company: Biffa "A real driver in the UK waste management industry, and a passion for driving business growth. She also helped launch a dedicated 'Women In Waste' group to help tackle the barriers women face in the workplace."

14 11 Andy Rees Job title: Head of Waste Strategy Company: Welsh Government "Courage of his conviction based on evidence not dogma. Showing that if you want to do it and persist, it CAN be done and you can take people with you if you are brave enough."

15 3 Jarno Stet Job title: Waste & Recycling Manager Company: City of Westminster "A fount of knowledge - his commitment to NAWDO has helped so many local authorities up and down the country."

16 6 Scott Butler Job title: Executive Director Company: Material Focus "He really knows his subject and has been really consistent in championing all kinds of electrical recycling when the Government don't always want to think about it!"

17 21 Graeme Milne Job title: Chief Executive Company: Ecogenesys "Graeme does a great job but perhaps most importanty he inspires change in others."

18 1 Margaret Bates Job title: Interim Head of the Scheme Administrator Company: Defra "Because she’s amazing! Done an incredible job with packaging EPR."

19 71 David Greenfield Job title: 2025/26 President Company: CIWM "David has been a champion of the circular economy for many years and has done so much to further the cause"

20 NE Laura Fernandez Job title: Senior Sustainability Manager Company: Ocado Retail Ltd "Laura is relentless in her drive to make a difference. She never gives up in persuading all stakeholders to continue to strive to do the right thing. She is an asset the industry"

21 NE Connor Bryant Job title: CoFounder & CEO Company: Rubbish Ideas "Passionate about solving rubbish crisis and a kind and eco conscious business visionary."

22 72 Jim Armitage Job title: Head of Procurement Company: Valpak Limited "Demonstrates leadership in sustainability, delivering measurable impact through innovation and best practice."

23 26 Catherine Conway Job title: Director & Reuse Lead Company: GoUnpackaged "A pioneering voice in zero waste and reuse, Catherine has spent over 25 years driving systemic change towards a circular economy"

24 15 Nicola Jones Job title: Sustainability & Circularity Lead Company: Tata Steel UK "Hard working and passionate about her industry, makes huge contribution"

25 40 Vicki Hughes Job title: Senior Vice President for CIWM Company: Managing Director at McPhee Associates "Vicki has been at the forefront of wood recycling since the 90s - a role model leader in resource management."

26 NE Michelle Carvell Job title: COO Company: Lorax EPI "Her dedication, vision, and relentless drive are making a tremendous impact in the environmental compliance sector."

27 12 Adam Read Job title: Chief Sustainability External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, and past president of the CIWM Company: Chief Sustainability External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, and past president of the CIWM "Still joining dots for systemic change. Still the go-to for green skills! "

28 NE Tom Fiennes Job title: Sustainability Director Company: Carlsberg Britvic "Championing sustainable packaging innovation in the drinks industry"

29 NE Louise Robertson Job title: Founder Company: Sustainables Academy "Brilliant resource through the sustainables academy"

30 NE Emma Bourne Job title: Director - Circular Economy Company: Defra "Steering the UK’s circular economy journey with unwavering commitment"

31 RE Joe Papineschi Job title: Chairperson Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting "Has a vision of radical systemic shift in some core industries stuck in a linear model"

32 47 Dr Tracey Leghorn Job title: Chief Business Services Officer Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK "Phenomenal leader and advocate. Dedicated, tenacious, determined, compassionate"

33 51 Bill Swan Job title: Managing Director Company: Recorra "Devoted to mitigating climate change, and environmental destruction through real recycling."

34 5 Mary Creagh MP Job title: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature) - with responsibility for Circular Economy Company: Defra "Minister who actually cares and knows what she's talking about!"

35 35 Kat Lees Job title: Direct / Co Founder - Resources and Waste Consultant Company: KaNect Limited "Hardworking professional, always willing to give time and find solutions"

36 38 Iain Gulland Job title: Chief Executive Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Shaped how Scotland does circular economy - real impact and lasting influence"

37 13 Dominic Hogg Job title: Director Company: Equanimator "Continually pushing the boundaries of waste policy with visionary thinking"

38 NE Niamh McBride Job title: Local Authority and Environmental Partnerships Manager Company: Material Focus "Encouraging to see such a young person taking a lead on these issues"

39 20 John Scanlon Job title: CEO Company: SUEZ recycling and recovery UK "Consistently working at forefront, pushing industry and regulators to be better"

40 NE Jen Vanderhoven Job title: COO Company: BBIA "Jen has become the champion of the bio-based economy, supporting emerging technologies and educating about the value of 'waste' resources."

41 62 Michael Topham Job title: Chief Executive Company: Biffa "Most innovative, passionate leader of a top 100 brand company"

42 NE Tim Hobbs Job title: CEO Company: Bartec Municipal Technologies "Passion and commitment inspiring, maintained fresh and progressive perspective"

43 17 Chris Baker Job title: Reuse and Circular Economy Specialist Company: Chris Baker Consulting "Broad knowledge of the refill and reusable packaging sector having worked with innovators offering solutions"

44 74 Ray Georgeson Job title: Head of Policy Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Ray is always at the forefront of key issues in both Scotland and beyond and never fails to share his enthusiasm"

45 69 Martin Hyde Job title: Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager Company: Alupro "First class, passionate driver improving recyclability through education"

46 NE Gillian Garside-Wight Job title: Director of Consultancy Company: Aura Consultants "Exceptional dedicated career focussing on packaging and sustainability and a knowledgeable and supportive peer"

47 95 Michael Pye Job title: Sustainability Manager - EPR Service Lead Company: McGrady Clarke Ltd "Ability to explain complex things in simple terms and his customer focus"

48 NE Charlotte Davies Job title: Senior Consultant for Resource Efficiency and Circularity Company: Beyondly "Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable on all things resource efficiency and circular economy. She's a sustainability queen."

49 80 Libby Peake Job title: Head of Resource Policy Company: Green Alliance "An influential voice on resource policy, unafraid to champion bold change"

50 NE Clyde Loakes MBE Job title: Chair of North London Waste Authority and Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council Company: - "Inspirational dedication to community, passionate advocate for climate action"

51 31 Sam Taylor Job title: Waste and Recycling Manager Company: St Nicks "Dedicated to the job and an inspiration to others"

52 68 Paul East Job title: Head of Packaging Recycling and Design Company: RECOUP "Knowledge and experience crucial for RAM development and European policies"

53 16 Gary Moore Job title: Sales director Company: UNTHA UK "Relentless in his quest to drive not only Untha UK but entire industry forward"

54 93 Emma Tilbrook Job title: Managing Consultant Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd "Putting service quality and efficiency at the heart of her LA work"

55 NE Connor Gorman Job title: RCP Sourcing Manager Company: Shotton Mill Ltd "Young and up and coming executive in the industry"

56 43 Dr Darren Perrin Job title: Partner Company: Kearney "Technical prowess and inspiring leadership makes him a transformative force in the global sustainability movement."

57 NE Roger Wright Job title: Waste Strategy & Packaging Manager Company: Biffa "Not afraid to have own opinion, pragmatic - knowledgeable and well connected"

58 90 Jane Stewart Job title: Independent Director and Chair Company: Independent Director and Chair "Thought leader, recognised nationally as leading innovator in recycling"

59 61 Gareth Morton Job title: Discovery Manager Company: Ecosurety "His commitment to making the Earth a better home is deeply inspirational"

60 18 Sophie Walker Job title: CEO and Co-Founder Company: Dsposal "She's doing absolutely incredible things that hardly anyone knows about"

61 RE Peter Jones Job title: Principal Consultant Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting "The things he doesn’t know aren’t worth knowing! A true intellectual powerhouse"

62 46 Kristina Bull Job title: Partner Company: QSA PARTNERS LLP "Leading fundamental change towards a circular fashion industry"

63 29 Sarah Poulter Job title: CEO Company: CIWM "Inspiring and empowering waste professionals to achieve a world beyond waste"

64 76 Will Ghali Job title: CEO Company: Ecosurety "Passionate and likes to share his knowledge. He is a great leader"

65 NE Kevin Vyse Job title: Head of Technical Fibre Company: ProAmpac "Great command of the issues related to flexible packaging."

66 RE Emily Rogers Job title: CEO & Founder. Company: Reath "Done some amazing work in the packaging sustainability space - pushing things forward in reuse/refill"

67 NE Callum Muscroft Job title: Senior Customer Relationship Manager Company: Lorax EPI "Exceptional EPR compliance expertise"

68 NE Jenny Robinson FCIWM Job title: Recycling Partner Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Brilliant and dedicated, spent working career making waste management better!"

69 65 Dr Jane Beasley Job title: Director of Operations Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Exceptional leadership and vision, setting benchmark for others in the sector"

70 81 Hannah Osman Job title: National Cup Recycling Manager Company: Valpak Limited "Revolutionising cup recycling - innovative pilot boosting cup returns"

71 NE Lynn Perks Job title: Senior Customer Relationship Manager Company: Lorax EPI "Guiding producers through EPR complexities with expertise and dedication"

72 NE Claire Shrewsbury Job title: Director of Insights and Innovation Company: WRAP "Harnessing data and innovation to help industries cut waste and boost recycling"

73 98 Simone Aplin Job title: Director Company: Ceres Waste, Renewables & Environment "Always goes the extra mile for her clients"

74 NE Alice Harlock Job title: Director of Technical and Member Services Company: OPRL "Outstanding service with great recyclable knowledge - nothing too much trouble"

75 NE Sophie Livingstone MBE Job title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Little Village "Socially driven initiative making excellent contribution to reducing waste"

76 NE Annis Mapleston Job title: Senior Environmental Compliance Consultant Company: Lorax EPI "Bringing fresh energy and meticulous attention to environmental compliance"

77 52 John Twitchen Job title: Founder Company: Stuff4Life / env23 "He has the energy and dedicated commitment alongside the vision to make change."

78 NE Gordon Fergus Job title: Director Company: Vervus "Amazing sharing his knowledge with our charity to help us grow and develop"

79 59 Christine McRitchie Job title: Managing Director Company: Earthwise Girls "Genuinely passionate about sustainable period care, always willing to help"

80 NE Richard Delooze Job title: Managing Director Company: WasteBot "What he's done with WasteBot is nothing short of game-changing"

81 NE Alex Hilton Job title: Head of RAM Company: PackUK "Alex is a whirlwind in all things RAM and developing/interpreting the regulations."

82 77 Robin Denson Job title: Head of Supply Chain Company: Mitie "Exceptional team manager and puts clients first"

83 RE David Garrett Job title: Head of Knowledge Transfer Company: Garden Organic "Enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable about composting - admirably driven!"

84 NE Grant Scott Job title: General Manager I&C Company: SUEZ UK R&R "No-one is more driven to ensure that anything can be achieved if everyone gives it their all."

85 56 Jon Hastings Job title: Head of Strategy and Development Company: East London Waste Authority "Works tirelessly as vocal and well-informed champion for local authorities"

86 66 Tom Passmore Job title: CIO and Co-Founder Company: Dsposal Ltd "Dedicated and talented data guru - creativity makes him a rare gem"

87 RE Michael Cook Job title: Chief Executive Officer Company: Circular Communities Scotland "Passion for environmental and social justice making impact at every level"

88 RE Debbie Fletcher Job title: Director – Climate Company: Local Partnerships "Driving ambitious climate action across local government"

89 RE Wayne Hubbard Job title: Chief Operating Officer Company: ReLondon "Leveraging decades of experience to make London a circular economy leader"

90 83 Gwen Frost Job title: Director Company: Resource Futures "20 years of passion and enthusiasm - only increased with experience"

91 88 Michael Taylor Job title: Managing Director Company: Mitie "Stands for excellence in everything he does"

92 RE Dimitra Rappou Job title: Executive Director- Sustainable Products Company: Confederation of Paper Industries "Dedicated and taking down barriers to progress!"

93 NE Bethan Jones Job title: Director Company: Resource Futures "Translating research into action to accelerate the circular economy"

94 87 Jonathan Attwood Job title: Head of Technical and Quality Company: IPL BRIGHTGREEN "So helpful helping with packaging design to maximise recyclability"

95 RE Mikela Druckman Job title: Founder and CEO Company: Greyparrot AI "Revolutionising recycling through AI-driven innovation"

96 92 Jacob Hayler Job title: Executive Director Company: ESA "A pragmatic industry voice ensuring waste policy balances environmental and economic needs"

97 58 Hannah Jordan Job title: Chief Operations Officer Company: Reuse Network "Brimming with reuse knowledge and forging partnerships to give products a second life"

98 NE Neil Arlett Job title: Head of Engineering Company: Biffa Waste Services Ltd "Goes above and beyond with initiative, resilience and continuous improvement"

99 NE Joshua Chadwick Job title: Account Manager Company: Cromwell Polythene "Kind, funny, genuine - it is an absolute pleasure working with him"

100 96 Sarah Ottaway Job title: Sustainability and Social Value Lead Company: SUEZ "Leads by example promoting social value and sustainability"