Nicola Jones, our Circular Economy & Sustainability Specialist, has a date with the King at the start of a new circularity initiative.
It was no surprise that Tata Steel should be at the launch of Circularity in Practice, a drive to promote circular solutions in British business. After all, steel is the world’s most recycled material, and the company will shortly be one of the biggest recyclers in the UK. Even so, I was still pleased to learn I’d be going to Manchester to see the King.
Circularity in Practice was inspired by King Charles, who is almost as passionate about sustainability as I am! I’ve been putting across the recycling message for Tata Steel for 20 years, and it was brilliant to learn recently that the steel packaging recycling rate in the UK has now reached 86.4% - the highest-ever percentage.
Tata Steel is one of the founding signatories to the initiative, which brings together a wide range of industries to share best practices on reuse, refurbishment and remanufacture. All signatories make a pledge to commit to circular practices and work with partners to bring about change. So far, over 100 organisations have signed up, in sectors from building and furnishings to services, including Sir Robert McAlpine, our EAF construction partner.
The launch was at the Renew Hub, a remarkable place to visit. Staffed in part by ex-offenders, they refurbish computers, bikes, office equipment and furniture to sell back to the charity sector and the public. The King had a tour and met business leaders, including our CEO Rajesh Nair and CCO Ralph Calmes, who gave him an update on Tata Steel’s transformation project. They also discussed the concept of the ‘urban mine’ – the potential for recovering the vast amount of material that lies above ground in many cities. Steel is often a less visible component in buildings, but we have been supporting its recycling and reuse in construction for years.
Although I didn’t get to meet the King, it was great to be part of the proceedings and to meet other companies who are committed to circularity.
This initiative comes at a time when, as transition continues towards low carbon steelmaking at Port Talbot, we are in discussions with customers about circular economy models. We are always open to talking to customers and stakeholders about circularity, so if you would like to know more, please get in touch. Nicola.jones@tatasteeleurope.com
You can find out more about how your organisation can be part of Circularity in Practice here https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/circularity-in-practice/