The RECOUP Conference

08:00-09:00 – Registration and Networking Breakfast 

09:00-09:15 – Welcome – RECOUP Opening 

09:15-10:40 – SESSION ONE: Can Plastic Circularity In The UK Ever Really Be Achieved?    

Over the past decade, the UK has struggled to turn plastic circularity ambitions into action. Amid ongoing market challenges and policy shifts, this session brings together industry leaders to explore what real progress looks like and how to achieve it. Discussions will cover investment, innovation, policy, infrastructure, and practical solutions to strengthen the UK’s circular plastics future.

CHAIR 

Adam Read – Chief External Affairs and Sustainability Officer – SUEZ

Speaker

Dana Clouston – Head of Growth and Specialist Propositions – Barclays

James McLeary – Managing Director – Biffa Polymers

Mary-Jane Hogg – Global Director of Feedstocks of the Future Strategy – DOW

James Bull – Head of packaging and Food waste strategies – Tesco

Pauline Metivier – Head of Business and Sector Support – ReLondon

James Marsh – Senior Packaging Sustainability Specialist – Nestlé Uk Ltd

10:40-11:10 – Comfort Break 

11:10-12:40 – SESSION TWO: Achieving Plastic Circularity Systems – A Global Perspective 

What are the big solutions and key learnings outside of the UK when it comes to Plastic Circularity?  This session takes a closer look at the systems, policies, solutions and challenges beyond the UK.  Through open dialogue, the session aims to uncover how international learning and collaboration can help move plastics circularity and governance forward.

CHAIR 

Joachim Quoden – EXPRA

Speaker

Klaus Wohnig – Co-Founder – DROP-IN

Tom Gaynor – Chief Operations Office – REPAK

Carlos Ludlow-Palafox – CTO – Greenback Recycling Technologies

Professor Steve Fletcher – Director – University of Portsmouth

Lucie Charbonnel – Sustainability Director Amcor Flexibles EMEA – Amcor

Chris Dow – Global Business Development Director – Coperion Recycling

Megg Humphrey – Technical Partnership Manager – WRAP

12:40-13:00 – Signposting Session 

15 mins of signposting 

13:00-14:15 – Lunch 

14:15-14:25 – RECOUP Update 

14:25-15:55 – SESSION THREE: Plastic Fact vs Plastic Fiction – The Plastic Paradox

Since Sir David Attenborough brought the issue of plastic pollution to the mainstream with the Blue Planet documentary 8 years ago, there has been a non-stop flow of evidence, opinions and research regarding the positioning and use of plastics, and impact on the environment. This session explores the current thinking and direction, the UK role in research and engagement, greenwashing (and hushing), material innovation and preferences, and how companies and organisations are striving to make a difference.

CHAIR

Paula Chin – Senior Policy Advisor – WWF

Speaker

Grahame Woods – Head of Policy – Viridor

Denise Mathieson – Head of Packaging Design & Programme Delivery – Waitrose

Rosie Bartram – Senior Manager Public Affairs – Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Clover Walton – Manager Group Sustainability & External Affairs – Faerch UK Ltd

Dan Cooke – Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs – CIWM

Robyn Macpherson – Project Manager, Birmingham University

15:55-16:00 – Closing Thoughts 

16:00 – FINISH