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We recently attended the Environmental Services & Solutions Expo 2023 held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, which brought together four shows under one roof, over two days. The expos included: ‘Resource and Waste Management’, ‘Energy, Fuels and Decarbonisation’, ‘Flood and Water Management’ and ‘Contamination and Land Remediation’.

Here’s our sustainability executive, Chris Crooks’ account of the expo:

“It was a fantastic opportunity to represent NEPIC at this event given the vast array of exhibitors, speakers, and fellow visitors, many of whom were NEPIC members. 

“On the first day, I attended talks across the range of topics on offer which included Net Zero Targets and How to Achieve Them, Sustainability, Plastics and Systems, Game Changing Innovation: The Role of Chemical Recycling in Boosting Plastic Circularity and The Future of Waste in a Net Zero Economy. All of which seems increasingly relevant and challenging to the North East process sector, but given the experience and knowledge on show, a challenge I am sure we are well prepared for and ready to address head on.

“There were many challenges to panel discussions, especially around the use of chemical recycling of plastics being a ‘delayed linear economy’ approach, and the need to challenge the business approach of ‘keep doing what we are doing’ in the face of slow policy implementation. The discussions provided valuable insights for us all to consider and contribute to achieving Net Zero targets, by acting now and encouraging change within the industry. This is great to see as it ensures the industry continues to be challenged to make the right decision, whilst taking stakeholders from various backgrounds with them on the journey to Net Zero and a more sustainable industry.

“On the second day of the expo, I attended talks on Digital Twins: Intelligent Water is not the future, it is now, BECCS and the Net Zero Future and Innovation in Operations to Create the Energy from Water plant of the Future.

“The talks resonated with NEPIC and the content we aim to deliver at our technical events throughout the year. I hope we can welcome new members into the fold to bring their technology, experience and ideas to the rest of our membership, to broaden our network and help our North East process industry in as many ways possible; especially where decarbonisation, Net Zero and sustainability are concerned.

“Trying to fit so much in over two days was difficult given there was so much to see and listen to. We look forward to attending again next year to see development, learn more about what is happening in the different sectors, and bring even more insights back for our members. If you would like to hear more about my visit to the expo, please get in touch at chris.crooks@nepic.co.uk.”