Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 11th April 2024 Issue no. 1109
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Bright future for resource efficiency: as doors close on RWM 2015, the innovation continues
Novel approaches and practical insight to inspire a new generation of resource managers were championed at RWM 2015, organised by i2i Events Group in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.
The event, from 15th to 17th September at Birmingham's NEC, provided a packed programme for its 13,000 visitors (subject to official auditing, currently being undertaken), with 700 leading exhibitor brands and over 70 seminar sessions from significant speakers.
With a revised EU Circular Economy Package expected by the end of the year, the European Commission's director-general for environment, Karl Falkenberg, emphasised the importance of designing products to last, by drawing on experience and the best technology.
In his keynote speech, Defra minister for resource management, Rory Stewart, said this was an "unbelievably exciting industry" and talked about addressing challenges including cutting red tape and reducing waste crime. He said circular economy targets must be ambitious but achievable and urged the industry to "take on the challenge" to be a world leader in how we manage resources. There was standing room only in many of the packed theatre sessions as a wealth of top speakers from all parts of the supply chain shared their expertise.
Innovative companies passionate about resource management showcased their latest products, services and technologies. The forward-thinking products and services on offer resulted in significant contracts and sales leads being secured by exhibitors. Graham Howlett, UK sales & marketing manager at Johnston Sweepers says: "We received an order for six of our VT651 truck mounted sweepers from Riverside Truck Rentals and two orders from JM Clarke and Simpson Environmental, all live at the show! Great to see."
Trailblazing initiatives challenging the way the recycling industry works were celebrated through RWM's Rising Stars of Resource Management competition.
Within two years the winner, bio-bean CEO, Arthur Kay, has grown the green energy company to a team of 20, raised several £million in finance and built the world's first waste coffee recycling factory with the capacity to process 50,000 tonnes of waste coffee grounds each year. By 2020, bio-bean plans to be saving over 500,000 tonnes carbon emissions each year and powering thousands of homes and vehicles!
Significant research reports were also launched at RWM. This included a report entitled 'Managing the Risk from Secondary Raw Material Price Movements' by Eunomia Research & Consulting for Resources & Waste UK and funded by the Environmental Services Association Education Trust. A new report by Suez, 'At this Rate', explored England's recycling challenges. Alban Forster, Director of SLR Consulting, Lee Marshall, CEO of LARAC, and Suez UK CEO, David Palmer-Jones shared the report's findings at the show.
RWM Chair, Barry Dennis says: "Our dynamic industry is constantly developing ideas and solutions to make the world more resource efficient. I was delighted by the scale of representation at the show, the wonderful atmosphere and the forward thinking in evidence. This year's show has helped propel this remarkable innovation and best practice into the international limelight."
RWM returns to the NEC next year from 13th to 15th September. It will again be co-located with The Energy Event, The Renewables Event and The Water Event.
T: +44 (0)203 033 2049
E: [email protected]
W: www.rwmexhibition.com
1st October 2015