Tata Steel signposts the way to a circular economy at CIWM CYMRU
Nicola Jones. Image: Tata Steel
Tata Steel, one of the world’s largest steel producers and one of Europe’s leading steel re-processors, has announced its sponsorship of the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Resources Conference CYMRU on 22 March at Glamorgan Cricket Club, Cardiff (also known as Sophia Gardens).
The event – designed to inspire CIWM members looking to take their sustainability and waste management initiatives to the next level – features a line-up of industry experts including Tata Steel’s Nicola Jones, manager for Steel Packaging Recycling.
Entitled ‘What quality materials look like in a circular economy,’ Jones’ presentation will highlight the vital role of recycling steel packaging in the world’s transition to a circular economy.
Jones’ presentation will take delegates on a journey through the recycling process – from collection through to extraction and new (and sometimes surprising) material applications. Jones will highlight the crucial role that high quality bales play in optimising the steel recycling process. She will also share a valuable list of what items should find a home in metal recycling bins, and those which should not.
Delegates will discover the vital role Tata Steel plays in providing an end-market for UK steel extraction. They will also learn how the industry giant helps organisations to meet their packaging regulations through sale of Packaging Recovery Notes (PRN’s).
The key message remains, however, that consumers play an essential part in maximising the success of steel recycling programmes. Their understanding of the importance of putting metal materials in the correct recycling bin – and their engagement to do so – are crucial to achieving a circular economy. This needs to be communicated consistently by all industry stakeholders.
To this end, Tata Steel is committed to its community outreach programme, where Eleanor Shorland, packaging recycling education officer, educates school children about the importance of recycling this valuable forever material. Teachers are encouraged to book a session with Shorland by emailing her at: [email protected].
Commenting on the presentation, Jones said, “Steel is infinitely recyclable and its uses are both vast and constantly evolving. At Tata Steel, we are continuously innovating to raise the bar in this space not only in terms of technology and processes, but also as regards recycling. There’s a huge opportunity to make a real difference here.
“Thanks to events such as CIWM’s Resources Conference CYMRU and our local outreach programme with schools, Tata Steel is helping to spread the word about the vital importance of high-quality bales in the steel recycling process. And momentum is building! I look forward to hearing what other speakers and delegates have to say about challenges and opportunities specific to Wales at the event. Together, we really do make the difference!”
