Resource is the first major event dedicated to the circular economy, and is set to uncover the next generation of UK entrepreneurs, experts and innovators, who can help UK businesses of the future adopt a circular economic approach. The term “Circular economy” essentially refers to a system that feeds into itself, and is the complete antithesis of the traditional 'linear' business model where all products are made and then disposed of. A circular economy promotes the idea that all products should be remade, repaired, resold or recycled, which is certainly not a new idea, but is one that businesses in the UK appear surprisingly hesitant to adopt.
The term “Circular economy” refers to a system that feeds into itself, and is the antithesis of the traditional 'linear' business model where all products are made and then disposed of
A primary proponent of the circular economy has been the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a foundation set up by the former professional sailor, which believes that “High growth” UK businesses hold the key to unlocking innovation barriers to circular progress. With one in five British mid-sized businesses currently classified as high-growth, the foundation feels it's more crucial now than ever before for these businesses to learn the benefits of a circular business model. The foundation's 'Circular Economy 100' programme aims to bring together leading and emerging companies to help accelerate the transition to a circular economy, and already has 70 major companies signed up, including BT, Coca Cola, Cisco, Ikea, Renault, Philips and Vodafone.
Highlights from the 2014 Resource Event, held at London's ExCel Centre between the 4th and 6th of March, 2014
Resource 2015 is scheduled to take place at London's ExCel centre between the 3rd and the 5th of March next year, but the innovators behind Resource are already calling for innovative small companies and start-ups to join its new 'Launch Pad' initiative in preparation for next year's event. The Launch Pad offers 10 spots for businesses who have adopted a circular economy approach to pitch their technologies, processes, platforms, service or offering to over 11,000 professionals looking to develop a model for profit in a circular economy themselves. Companies already confirmed for the Launch Pad are WARPit, developers of a resource reuse network that allows staff to share surplus physical resources within their organisation, and Bag:ReBorn, a specialist packaging design company motivated by reuse and prevention. Resource Event director, Stephen Gee, says that, although small and medium enterprises are “The lifeblood of Europe's economy,” the last of available finance and knowledge prevents about 50% of them from adopting a circular economic policy. He says “The Launch Pad has been set up both to help SMEs break into the market and bring new thinking and disruptive innovation to the masses."
The Launch Pad offers 10 spots for businesses who have adopted a circular economy approach to pitch their technologies, processes, platforms, service or offering to over 11,000 professionals looking to develop a model for profit in a circular economy themselves
Daniel O'Connor, WARPit's founder, said that “As a company helping the public and private sector move towards zero waste,” investing in the Launch Pad was a no-brainer for them. The business was only set up three years ago, so they don't have the reach of larger, more experienced companies, so he feels the Launch Pad will give them a valuable presence “In front of thousands of circular economy players under one roof." Richard Simmonite, the award-winning innovator behind Bag Re:Born says that Resource shares many of his company's core values; they both believe “In disruptive innovation and supporting the circular economy; values inherent in the company slogan; 'no excuse for single use'.” He hopes that Bag Re:Born will play “A key role in reducing dependence on raw materials and changing consumer attitudes towards waste and reuse,” and looks forward to working “As part of The Launch Pad, with like-minded companies towards a more sustainable future."
Official Resource Event Website
Official Ellen MacArthur Foundation Website
Benjamin Hiorns is a freelance writer and musician from the UK who firmly believes in the circular economy. In fact, anything circular is fine in his book!
