Cardiff Metropolitan and Swansea Universities’ joint CEIC programme is celebrating another successful conference promoting circular economy principles throughout businesses and the third sector in Wales.
The event, ‘Innovations in Circular Economy: Learning from Welsh Organisations 2026’ held on 27th January, brought together inspiring voices from across the nation to explore how circular economy principles are being put into practice to save money, slash emissions and maintain momentum towards Wales’ net zero ambition.
Rob Basini, Development Manager at the Federation of Small Businesses Wales, said:
“The circular economy and sustainability is really important to small businesses right across the board, and they understand that they have a real role to play in addressing the issues that we face. An event like today that celebrates and highlights the support available is really key for small businesses.”
The day included talks from CEIC participants past and present, as well a presentation from CEIC Project Director Dr Gary Walpole on the importance of education and awareness around circular economy issues.
Keynote speaker Louise Whitaker, Circular Economy Manager at Virgin Media O2, said:
“It’s been fascinating just to hear about the work that’s been going on in South Wales and the breadth of thinking about the circular economy. Sometimes it can feel like a lonely space to work in, but you come here and realise, wow, that’s actually a lot of really good innovation going on.”
Indeed, community quickly emerged as the day’s unofficial theme, with Julie Cunnington-Hill, Senior Innovation Manager at Welsh Government, commenting:
“I really picked up a feeling of community. These are all like-minded organisations, each facing their own circular economy challenges, but there’s a common feeling in that. The sense of community really stood out today.”
Other speakers included programme participants from Orangebox, Grounds for Good, Sinclair Group, Clean Sweep and Cwm Environmental.
Orangebox Head of Sustainability, Gareth Banks, said:
“It’s been a lovely coincidence to find myself at a circular economy conference hosted at the site of Orangebox’s first big remanufacturing project many moons ago. There have been terrific presentations from some superb CEIC comrades too, with the key theme of ‘collaboration’ ringing loud and clear from each one.”
He added: “Hearing about the work going on gives me real hope that a new age is dawning.”
This conference was just one event in the busy CEIC calendar. Take a look at our events page for updates on future events and CEIC community news, and to stay on top of the work CEIC is doing to promote the circular economy in Wales and position Cardiff Metropolitan University as a leader in circular innovation.
You can watch the highlights video below:
