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28th January 2021
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BMA finalises conference line up for conference looking at the Circular Economy
The old-school manufacturing model of Take... Make... Waste is on its way out. Today the approach is changing to Take... Make... Take... No waste. Yes - the principle of the Circular Economy is on the way in and is set to be a huge change for industry, revolutionising the way we firstly produce goods and then, at the end of their lives, dispose of them.
The Circular Economy may be about to drive the biggest transformation in business since the Industrial Revolution 250 years ago. It is believed that an additional $4.5 trillion in additional economic output could be generated by 2030. The subject, hugely important for our future generations, is the theme of this year's Bathroom and Kitchen Industry Business Conference.
To discuss and debate the subject, seven outstanding speakers have been secured to present their views and expertise and the final three have been added to the line-up.
* Marc Atherton is a behavioural scientist who works in the area of individual and large scale behaviour change. He has a BSc and a Masters in Psychology and has been involved in behaviour change in sustainability for a number of years. He is a both a Chartered Psychologist and a Chartered Scientist. Marc is a passionate believer that unless you understand and work with people, both in supply side organisations and demand side customer segments, positive change around the circular economy cannot be achieved.
* Jane Thornback has been sustainability policy adviser at the Construction Products Association (CPA, the UK umbrella trade association representing the product manufacturing and distribution sector), for the past decade. Since joining CPA Jane has led the work of the association on sustainability measurement and reporting especially environmental product declarations, responsible sourcing and resource efficiency. She played a leading role in the development of formal standards for responsible sourcing. A key theme of her work is the circular economy and how the construction sector can transition to a way of thinking that maintains materials in the system at end of life rather than disposing to landfill or downcycling.
* Julia Hailes MBE is an environmental consultant and speaker on social, consumer and ethical issues, advising the UK's leading businesses on policy and communications. A recognised expert on eco-labelling, Julia was appointed as deputy chair of the Advisory Committee on Consumer Products and the Environment. She has been awarded a place on the UN Global 500 Roll of Honour for her 'outstanding environmental achievements' and she was elected as the European representative to the Global 500 Forum Council. Her practical solutions are derived from research, experience and strongly-held beliefs.
Marc, Jane and Julia join Chris Goodall, Tim Pollard, Professor Margaret Bates and Steve Head to complete the speaking panel. The host for the event is Sophie Long from BBC News.
"So we have our full line up for the Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference 2016 and we are delighted that we have been able to secure such a diverse and knowledgeable panel this year," says Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association. "We will be highlighting the environmental, business and social aspects of the Circular Economy and we will explore how it can provide commercial advantages for both manufacturers and retailers as consumers seek out environmentally and technologically advanced products."
'Towards the Circular Economy' will take delegates out of their day-to-day comfort zone. It will investigate how enterprises not usually associated with bathrooms and kitchens tackle the corporate, social and economic consequences of cradle to cradle manufacturing, marketing and selling, whilst still meeting customers' needs.
The challenges facing politicians, manufacturers and consumers in adopting the Circular Economy are likely to be complex and may be implemented at speed. Challenges that could be turned into opportunities will have to be debated, their impact assessed and consequences for the bathroom sector identified.
The Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference will be held at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield.
Conference day is Tuesday 4th October with 'fringe' activities including the Charity Golf Challenge which raises much needed funds for the BMA's favourite charity, The Childrens' Burns Trust, being held on Monday 3rd October 2016.
1st July 2016