Innovate UK were partners of the 3-day Blue Earth Summit on the 16 -18th October. The UK Circular Plastics Network (UKCPN) funded the partnership, recognising the relevance of the summit to Innovate UK’s commitment to research and innovation in support of Net Zero and Sustainability.
Now in its fourth year, the Blue Earth Summit brings together thought leaders, change makers and innovators to identify and channel investments into solutions that regenerate the natural world.
IUK Business Connect KTM Professor Sally Beken was one of the panellists in the Day One session ‘Our Thriving Post Plastic Future – How will we make stuff?’, joined by other leading experts and commentators including Sian Sutherland, co-founder of Plastic Planet, and Nick Doman, founder of Ocean Bottle. This session raised essential questions regarding the complex question of alternative materials, including unintended consequences and the need for lifetime assessment of materials and products.
Gavin Lewis, Innovation Lead for UKRI’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge, delivered By Innovate UK, joined session hosts City to Sea in the NGO Showcase entitled ‘Successful cross-industry collaboration for the circular economy in action’ on Day Two. The session discussed the benefits that cross-sector partnerships can unlock to support systems change and drive more sustainable and circular lifestyles.
“The days were full, with extensive networking and meeting requests. The interest in Innovate UK was huge and all sectors across the materials and manufacturing spectrum,” says Denise Goldsmith, Knowledge Transfer Manager for Marine Plastics at Innovate UK Business Connect.
