First Minister to address international circular economy event in Glasgow

19 September 2018

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Wednesday 19th September 2018

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will address the Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland, hosts Zero Waste Scotland have announced today (Wednesday 19 September 2018).

She will address the global gathering of circular economy experts, policy makers, and business leaders at one of the world’s most prestigious sustainable business events.

Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland runs from 30 October to 1 November and is being delivered by Zero Waste Scotland in partnership with Circular Glasgow, with support from the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

The circular economy is about developing new business models, designing products more smartly, remanufacturing and repairing in order to minimise waste and keep products and materials within the economy for as long as possible.

Following large-scale inaugural events in The Netherlands and Luxembourg, the Hotspot will demonstrate Scotland’s award-winning progress as a leading circular economy nation on the world stage. Delegates will also be able to choose from one of six sector-themed Discovery Tours on which they will meet with pioneering Scottish businesses.

 

The First Minister will speak on the morning of Wednesday 31 October. Other guest speakers include:

  • Dr Leyla Acaroglu, United Nations Champion of the Earth 2016

  • Dr Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of UN International Resource Panel and former European Commissioner for Environment

  • Walter Stahel, architect and industrial analyst, credited with having coined the expression ‘cradle to-cradle’

  • Gary Gillespie, Chief Economic Advisor, Scottish Government

  • Dr Katherine Trebeck, Research Director, the Wellbeing Alliance

 

Further information, including the full list of speakers and details of the six sectoral Discovery Tours, is available on the Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland website: http://www.circulareconomyhotspot.scot/

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “I am delighted that the First Minister has agreed to address what is set to be one of the major circular economy events of the year, not just in Scotland, but globally.

“This is an exciting time in Scotland’s journey towards becoming a fully circular economy. With the public and businesses more attuned than ever to the problems caused by waste and climate change, there has never been a better time to be making the case for making things last and getting maximum value from our resources.

“At Zero Waste Scotland, we have been able to support and work with some of the country’s most creative and innovative businesses and I look forward to sharing their story with an international audience.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and City Convener for Inclusive Economic Growth, said: “This event will bring new ideas from an economic model that promises to contribute a great deal to the growth of a more sustainable economy.  We very much support the development of the circular economy in Glasgow, and look forward to learning about what will be discussed and promoted at the Hotspot next month.”