AS all eyes turn to Glasgow ahead of COP26, leading Scottish and global businesses will be sharing their experiences of how circular economy has benefited their business in hopes of encouraging others to become more sustainable.
The Get Inspired 2021 event, hosted by Circular Glasgow, will welcome a number of keynote speakers to explore three themes at the core of becoming a truly circular economy: youth, innovation and technology.
Discussing how converting to circular practices have resulted in economic growth, job creation and innovative, sustainable solutions within their businesses, Greg Lucas, country sustainability manager for IKEA UK & Ireland and Geoff Leask, chief executive, Young Enterprise Scotland, will be among those advocating the importance of developing a young workforce; as well as revolutionising and embracing new systems and technologies in Scotland’s fight against climate change.
With a fragile, post-Covid economy, concern over employment rates and uncertainty around opportunities for young people, the potential of $4.5 trillion worth of untapped business in circular practices cannot be overlooked by organisations which have been forced to adapt in light of altering markets and changing consumer behaviours.
In a year like no other, the Circular Glasgow event, in partnership with ReLondon, and supported by Zero Waste Scotland, will aid in pushing circular economy further up the agenda ahead of COP26 in November.
Held across three sessions on Tuesday 15th June 2021, Alison McRae, senior director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, which hosts Circular Glasgow, will be joined by a range of entrepreneurs and business experts, passionate about the commercial and environmental benefit of circular practices.
Alison said: “Glasgow is at the forefront of what is a major global event, and as an innovative and ambitious city, its business leaders, and those across Scotland, are beginning to revaluate their systems and business models with sustainability and circularity as a top priority as a means of meeting the net zero targets on climate change.
“Of course, the financial and competitive advantage circular economy models can give to businesses are appealing, but what is clear is that more companies are digging deeper to understand how they can use these systems to innovate in their sector, and build a more sustainable workforce to not only benefit themselves, but have a positive impact on the Scottish and global economy. Get Inspired 2021 will demonstrate to those interested, and to those in doubt, that circular economy is now a must-do for all sectors.”
