Pioneer Group is delighted to partner the Bio-Based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA) with Innovate UK Business Connect to deliver this exciting event, championing sustainable packaging.

Packaging sits at the heart of the transition to a circular economy, influencing material flows, carbon emissions, consumer behaviour and waste outcomes across the entire value chain. This one-day event brings together policymakers, brand owners, material innovators, waste management experts and academics to explore how sustainable packaging can accelerate the UK’s Circular Economy Growth Plan.

Through keynote insights, expert presentations and panel discussions, the event will examine the evolving UK policy and regulatory landscape, including Extended Producer Responsibility, renewable feedstocks and national materials innovation strategies.

Attendees will gain practical perspectives on end-of-life management, consumer expectations, brand commitments and the role of bio-based, compostable and natural materials in delivering functional, environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Agenda:

09:30 | Registration & Refreshments

10:00 -10:30 | Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Welcome & Opening
• Keynote | Why Packaging is at the Centre of the Circular Economy Growth Plan | TBC
• The UK Sustainable Packaging Landscape | Sally Beken, Innovate Business Connect

10:40 – 12:10 UK Landscape for Sustainable Packaging

• Dealing with packaging Waste at End-of-Life – A Waste Management Company’s View | Tom Mockridge, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Recorra
• Extended Producer Responsibility and Sustainable Packaging: The Pack UK Approach | TBC
• The Role of Renewable Feedstocks in the Packaging Pact | TBC
• Shaping Sustainable Packaging through the National Materials Innovation Plan | Suzanne Halden, ScotChem
• Consumer insights and brand commitments | TBC

Panel Q&A with all speakers

12:40 – 13:30 | Networking Lunch

13:30 – 14:45 | The Role of Bio-based & Compostable and Natural Materials in Sustainable Packaging

• Transforming Packaging with Wood-Based Materials: Scaling Renewable Alternatives to Plastics | Jonathan Edmunds, Sustainability Director, Woodly
• Compostable Packaging in Practice: Designing for Foodservice, Collection and End-of-Life | Eilidh O’Connor, Head of Environmental, Vegware
• Plastic Free Natural Polymers: Replacing Single-Use Plastics with High-Performance Natural Polymers | TBC, Xampla
• From Fibre to Function: The Role of Natural Materials in Circular Packaging Systems | Josie Morris, CEO, Woolcool
• Life Cycle Assessment of Bio-Based and Biodegradable Materials | TBC, University of Sheffield

15:00 – 15:15 | Networking Break

15:15 – 16:00 Sustainable Packaging: Navigating Certifications and Claims

• Avoiding Greenwash: Making Credible, Evidence-Based Sustainability Claims in Packaging | TBC
• Certification, Traceability and Trust: Demonstrating Bio-Based Benefits Across the Value Chain | TBC

16:00 – 16:15 | Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways