Presentation
The chemical and processing industries as the foundation to a successful circular economy
Time & Location
Thursday: 10.00 to 10.20, Stage 5
Speaker
Dr Ann StevensonHead of Circular Economy, Resource Futures
About this presentation
How can advances of the chemical and processing industries that underpin the establishment of a linear economy model of production and consumption also drive the move to a circular economy? Following an introduction of the role the industry plays in maintaining the linear economic model, we look at how the industry can support designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use as long as possible, and helping regenerate natural systems through life cycle system thinking. Good practice examples of business models that are helping this transition will be called upon to highlight what can be achieved in practice and where there are still gaps.
Speaker Bio:
Dr Ann Stevenson has dedicated her career to enabling businesses to embed environmental best practice that is good for business, planet and people. Graduating first as a chemical engineer and working as a risk consultant in the nuclear industry, Ann moved deeper into consultancy and focussed on designing, developing and delivering programmes and projects to reduce waste and losses of materials across the production and consumption landscape. Ann joined Resource Futures in 2022 as their Head of Circular Economy after taking time out to complete a PhD investigating perceptions of risks for manufacturing SMEs in transitioning to a circular economy. Ann recently produced a chapter for the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) book ‘The Circular Economy: Meeting Sustainable Development Goals’ and has developed training material for the IChemE on the circular economy for chemical engineers.