The plastics challenge: a business opportunity

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Hear from leading experts about the global plastics challenge and discover the business opportunities that arise from developing more sustainable pathways.

Date and location

2–3 December 2019

Duration, format and location

Two-day residential workshop; Madingley Hall, Cambridge, UK.

Includes keynote lecture and gala dinner in the evening of day one.

Fee

The course fee includes accommodation and meals. Discounts may be available for multiple delegates from the same organisation or participants from not-for-profits, developing countries, and self-funded individuals.

Become part of the transition to a sustainable and successful plastics future

For more information download the flyer, or contact labs@cisl.cam.ac.uk.

Apply here.

The challenge and opportunity

Plastic is one of our most versatile and useful materials and has countless applications across industry sectors. Recent years, however, have shown a growing awareness of the environmental and societal costs of plastic manufacture and waste. Numerous technical challenges, limited infrastructure and low residual value in plastic waste are contributing to low rates of post-consumer material recovery. As a consequence, recycling and reuse remain low globally, and levels of plastic pollution on land and in waterways and oceans are increasing.

Civil society is increasingly calling for a transition to more circular models of consumption and alternative models of delivery. Although some businesses and governments are starting to respond to this and examples of innovation, practice and policy are emerging, there remain systemic challenges to address in policy, business and society.

This presents commercial opportunities to businesses that are able to capitalise on changing policy and societal drivers while furthering social and environmental benefit.

Benefits of attending

The Plastics Challenge Lab will provide business leaders and decision-makers with an opportunity to hear from leading academic and industry experts about the latest directions in research and policy and emerging trends in industry. Participants will work with peers in facilitated discussions to consider the implications of global plastic-related challenges for various business sectors and to identify potential commercial opportunities in supply chains and end-user markets.

The Lab allows participants to use CISL’s innovative pathways framework – developed in collaboration with leading businesses, it proposes four routes to eliminating plastic packaging waste through changes in policy, design, behaviour and innovation. The report, ‘Towards sustainable packaging: A plan to eliminate plastic packaging waste from UK bottled water and soft drinks’, analyses these pathways for the bottled water and soft drinks sector.

By participating, you will:

  • Learn about today’s social and environmental concerns and the emerging policies, targets and drivers for change
  • Gain insight into how leading businesses are responding to the plastics challenge
  • Evaluate the challenges and commercial opportunities facing your organisation in realising a more sustainable use of plastics
  • Explore transition pathways for your organisation, supply chain and end-user markets.

This two-day short course will be highly interactive and will include insights from scholars and industry leaders, practical exercises and personal reflection. Participants will leave with their own individual action plan to drive a more sustainable use of plastics in their organisation.

Become part of the transition to a sustainable and successful plastics future. Download the flyer, and apply for the two-day Plastics Challenge Lab.

Who should attend?

Mid-senior level professionals working in strategy, sustainability, supply chain and procurement, innovation, R&D, sustainable design, business development, change managers and stakeholder engagement would benefit from attending the Lab.

Applications to the Plastics Lab are considered based on the suitability of the candidates. Registered delegates currently include sustainability, supply chain and procurement professionals from a range of industries.

Learn from industry experts and thought leaders

Confirmed contributors for this Lab include:

  • Beverly Cornaby, Programme Manager in Policy, CISL, University of Cambridge
  • Dr Claire Barlow, Senior Lecturer, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge
  • Nick Brown, Head of Sustainability (Europe), Coca-Cola
  • Paula Chin, Sustainable Materials Specialist - WWF-UK
  • Professor Jennifer Howard-Grenville, Diageo Reader in Management Studies, Cambridge Judge Business School
  • Susan Jay, Sector Specialist Circular Economy WRAP Cymru
  • Jon Khoo, Innovation Partner, Interface Inc.
  • Marianne Matthews, Senior Inspirational Business Manager, Sky UK Ltd.

The keynote lecture ‘Eliminating single-use plastics, driving organisational change and implementing sustainability priorities’ will be delivered by Marianne Matthews of Sky UK, in the evening of day one of the Plastics Challenge Lab. If you are unable to attend the full two-day Lab, you can still register to attend the keynote lecture.

Sustainability Leadership Labs

The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) Labs bring together professionals to test and challenge cutting-edge responses to global problems.

The Sustainability Leadership Labs offer an opportunity to learn from and network with around 25 other senior practitioners from different industries and sectors. The immersive two-day face to face programme includes elements of co-creation, group activity, journaling work, reflection, peer to peer coaching and pair work. Students leave the course having created a personal leadership plan

Read more about the Sustainability Leadership Labs, and details about fees and applications.

Join the Plastics Challenge Lab to explore the ways your organisation and supply chain can transition towards eliminating plastic packaging waste. Download the flyer, or apply here.