The event, co-hosted by the Environment Agency, Greentech
South and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Sustainable
Business Network, will feature insights, tips and case
studies to help companies maximise resources, reduce
plastic waste and prevent plastic pollution.
Businesses were invited to register for the workshop via
Eventbrite or email plasticsandsustainability@environment-agency.gov.uk
to find out more.
Businesses will have the opportunity to discuss issues they
face in-house and within supply chains, hear about
sustainability and plastic reduction charterships and
certifications, and offered support to tackle plastic
pollution. They will also hear from speakers representing
Business in the Community, Marwell Wildlife, the University
of Southampton and Southampton City Council.
In the UK it is estimated that 5 million tonnes of plastic
is used every year, nearly half of which is packaging. And
the UK recycling/recovery rate increased annually until
2017 before falling back to 43.8% in 2018.
Environment Agency project lead Jonathan Harvey said:
More people have become aware of the negative
consequences of our throw away economy in recent years,
and consumers are showing a desire for a less wasteful
culture.
Leading UK businesses have recognised the importance of
challenging their own consumption and production
activities. Many businesses want to tap into these
changing consumer attitudes and do their bit to protect
our planet by reflecting this in their product and
services.
It is an opportunity to review and change business
practices, innovate, and successfully achieve
environmental ambitions, both within their own operations
and their supply chains.
The workshop is being delivered as part of the Interreg
Preventing Plastic Pollution partnership programme, which
identifies and targets plastics hotspots from river to sea.
