RECOUP announces 2019 conference speakers, topics

RECycling of Used Plastics Ltd. (RECOUP), a nonprofit organization focused on promoting plastics recycling in the United Kingdom, has announced its lineup of speakers and topics for its 2019 annual conference, which takes place Sept. 26 at the KingsGate Conference Centre in Peterborough, England.

The nonprofit group plans to embrace all aspects of the plastics debate during the conference. Tom Heap of BBC’s Countryfile and BBC Radio 4 “Costing the earth,” will be returning to chair the morning session at this year’s event.

“The quality of debate and presentations I’m sure will not disappoint,” Heap says. “I am delighted to be invited to moderate the headline session. Opportunities and issues are moving at pace, and it promises to be a great day, which will continue to challenge the status quo within the plastics resource and recycling space.” 

Margaret Bates, professor of sustainable wastes management at the University of Northampton, plans to chair the afternoon keynote session. She adds, “As always, there is a stellar lineup of speakers from across the value chain. The mix of delegates means that there will be challenging questions and different views, and I look forward to learning loads in this fascinating and fast-moving area.”

Adam Read, external affairs director at Suez Recycling & Recovery, is another confirmed speaker at this year’s event. He says, “This year’s lineup of hot topics, keynote speakers and deep-dive workshops is ideal for anyone wanting to know what’s happening in the plastics space right now and how the evolving policy landscape might create risks and opportunities in our sectors.”

Since its inception in 2012, the RECOUP annual conference has continued to grow. The event attracts more than 400 attendees. In addition, the 2019 conference will feature a new “introduction to plastics resources and recycling seminar” the day before the main conference.

“There is a real sense of anticipation with the potential developments and improvements on the horizon through the Resources and Waste Strategy,” says Stuart Foster, RECOUP CEO. “But we are also very aware that short-term actions are still needed while the longer term policy is being finalized. We will continue to deliver on the aims of RECOUP, show leadership and be the voice of reason not just for plastics in packaging, but in other sectors too such as construction, farming and horticulture.”  

The full agenda is now available on the RECOUP website.