Circular Economy Investor Dinner
The Circular Economy Investor Dinner, hosted on Monday 16th of October was a major success. Alongside a fantastic three course meal, the guests were treated to a host of highly informative and engaging speeches on Circular Economy.
Seven Minutes with Sophie Thomas
Before the first course was served the guests were treated to a keynote from Sophie Thomas.
In a mere seven minutes, our world undergoes remarkable changes, as emphasized by Sophie Thomas, Founding Partner at estaW Ventures. Sophie highlighted the vast scale of resource extraction and waste production, underlining the urgency to address these challenges. During this brief time, 1.3 million tonnes of materials, including iron ore, aluminium ore, and lithium, are extracted. Additionally, 742 cars roll off production lines, and consumers purchase 300,000 pairs of shoes, 18,200 mobile phones, and 7 million bottles of water. Regrettably, over 90% of the 100 billion tonnes of materials extracted annually go to waste, are lost, or remain unused for years. In this seven minutes alone we will have discarded 25 tonnes of clothing, 710 tonnes of electronics, and an astonishing 20 times the amount of food. To address these challenges, Sophie Thomas introduces the concept of the circular economy. Highlighting how we can transform waste into new materials for superior products and foster long-term relationships with customers through services, repairs, and product durability.We need to strengthen the sustainability of supply chains, utilising digitization to extend product lifespans and reduce emissions. Also, to invest in innovation, encouraging behaviour change in the start-up economy, advocating for government support and the development of long-term green growth plans. In essence, the circular economy represents a shift away from the linear “take, make, waste” model toward a more sustainable and value-preserving system. Sophie Thomas’s insights encourage us to embrace this circular mindset. In a world where seven minutes can make a significant impact, make every moment count.
Panel Discussion
Following Sophies keynote, guests enjoyed delicious starters and stimulating table conversation before settling to listen to a panel discussion led by Conduit Connect Alexander Shapiro. Alex discussed innovative solutions alongside Bundlee founder Eve Kekeh, Chief Partnerships Officer at Again, Brian Matuszewski, and the founder of Reborn, Brian Walmsley.
Each panelist’s contribution was tremendously insightful:
During Eve’s participation in the panel discussion, she shed a light on Bundlee’s significant role in promoting sustainability in the children’s clothing industry. She addressed a wide range of questions, offering insights into the company's pioneering rental subscription service for childrenswear in the UK. Eve emphasised the benefits of sustainability, space-saving, and affordability in the context of raising children. She discussed Bundlee’s mission of reducing waste by encouraging the rental of premium, limited-lifespan clothing from well-known brands, making eco-conscious choices more accessible for families. Her engagement in the panel highlighted the innovative approach and widespread recognition of Bundlee’s efforts toward a sustainable future for children.
Brian Walmsley highlighted one of the significant challenges within creating a circular economy: making sustainable homeware affordable. This challenge underscores the broader issue of cost in the sustainability movement, as environmentally responsible products often come with higher price tags. Despite this challenge Reborn remains dedicated to producing recycled homewares that are not only eco conscious but also accessible to a wide range of consumers, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable solution for household items. Reborns products have recently launched in John Lewis with a mission to transform the homeware industry.
Brian Matuszewski, representing Again, discussed the company’s innovative role in supply chain logistics. Again partners with pub chains and online grocery retailers to collect, sort, clean and resell used packaging to Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands. Offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution for packaging materials. He also highlighted the hurdles that the current market has presented his company, underscoring the complexities and challenges of implementing sustainable and reusable packaging solutions at scale.
Fireside Chat with Richard Murphy
Closing out the event Eva Dimitriadis (Manging Partner at the Conduit Connect) and Richard Murphy (Head of Transport Operations at Brent Council), engaged in a fireside chat that delved into Brent Council’s approach to waste reduction and its active participation in the circular economy. In this insightful discussion, Eva asked Richard about the specific policies, programs, and strategies that Brent Council has implemented to minimise waste and encourage a more sustainable economy withing their jurisdiction. The conversation provided attendees with valuable information on how local government initiatives can play a crucial role in promoting eco-conscious practices and support a more environmentally friendly future.
Written by Con Haidemenos and Nina Thorn