Circular Economy Learnings from Europe: Industry Transformations

Online Webinar 

Australia, New Zealand and our Asia-Pacific neighbours can learn a great deal from members of the European Union (EU) where the transition towards a circular economy is already underway. This was an obvious takeaway from our 2023 European Study Tour organised by the Australian Circular Economy Hub and Planet Ark, which derived significant learnings from the Netherlands, Sweden, France and the UK as well as the World Circular Economy Forum in Helsinki, Finland.   

Join us for the fourth webinar of the ACE Hub European Study Tour series, where two more delegates who joined our 2023 tour will discuss transformations being pursued by governments and business in industry including plastics, textiles and the built environment in Europe. 

Moderated by Planet Ark's Nicole Garofano, during the webinar, we will be joined by Hayley Jarick and Helen Millicer who will delve into key topics such as sustainable materials, circular economy policies, targets and practices, and collaborations driving progress in the EU and worldwide.

Nicole Garofano is Planet Ark’s Head of Circular Economy Development, responsible for leading the ongoing strategic development of the Australian Circular Economy Hub, and a lead author of the Circularity in Australian Business report. For almost 20 years, Nicole has worked in environmental education and action with a focus on waste management and circular economy initiatives. Since 2021, Nicole has been the spokesperson for the ACE Hub’s work driving Australia’s circular economy transition. 

Hayley Jarick is the Company Secretary and CEO of the Supply Chain Sustainability School Limited, an Independent Director of ResponsibleSteel, Chair of Planet Ark's Australian Circular Economy Hub Procurement Working Group, and within WWF’s Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA), a Project Control Group (PCG) member and Chair of two working groups; steel and knowledge. Hayley completed her MBA at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) and Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in International Business and Legal Studies, at the University of Wollongong, Australia. 

Helen Millicer is a recognised, award-winning strategist on circularity and climate-ready future, with 30 years leadership experience in executive and governance in government, industry associations and business. As CEO of One Planet Consulting she is engaged on national projects, grant assessments and strategies. She is the principal author of the 2023 seminal report for the Australian Government recommending 10 major changes for the eco-design of all products into the Australian market, the key advisor on forming Australia’s first EPR stewardship program for plastics incorporating eco-modulated brand levies and recycled content, and co-founder of an influential new program, ClimateWise Associations. Helen has a long, distinguished career as director and chair of boards and is a Ministerial appointee to the inaugural WRR board for the Tasmanian Government. Helen has national and global networks and insights, is graduate of AICD, Churchill Trust Fellow and regular speaker at conferences and forums.