Climate and Circular Plastics Masterclass

Why take this masterclass?

Plastics are under pressure with changes underway in design, composition, targets, recycling, bans and deselection. This is the start, with more to come to shift for reuse, repair and recycling, and to cut losses, costs and emissions. Australia has a powerful position globally with full production supply chain and can do more to influence its own sustainable low emissions plastics future. What does the future hold with Australian and overseas trends and directives?

From plastics packaging to pipe, from toys to textiles, what are the policies, financial incentives, regulations and partnerships to support smarter collections, production and use so we meet immediate bans and targets in 2022, 2025 and 2030?

What will you learn?

• facts and models for both climate/emissions and circular economy
• trends in plastics production, use and recovery toward these aims (net zero emissions and circular materials)
• current and forthcoming legislation, programs, targets and gaps in Aust and o/s re pricing, supply, bans and handling plastic ‘waste’
• international guest speaker for 20mins plus live Q&A on successes, collaborations
• exercises in setting climate and circular a) strategy and targets, b) partnerships and procurement.

Who is this masterclass for?

• plastics product manufacturers, collectors and recyclers
• government policy-makers, contract and program managers
• brand owners, suppliers
• association representatives
• consultants and advocates for climate and circular futures.

Presenters and facilitators

Ton van der Giessen

Since 1980 active in the waste management and recycling branch. Currently CEO of Van Werven Plastic Recycling with seven locations in Europe. Chair of the Dutch recycling branch organisation. Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board Holland Circular Hotspot and vice chair of the European plastic value chain branch organisation Polyolefin Circular Economy Platform in Brussels.

Dr Helen Lewis

Helen provides research and strategic support to a range of industry and government clients on product stewardship and packaging sustainability.

Helen has been actively engaged in product stewardship for almost 30 years, with various positions including strategic advisor and consultant to the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO) and CEO of the Australian Battery Recycling Initiative. In her previous roles at the Centre for Design at RMIT University, including 5 years as Director, she helped to establish some of the first programs in Australia on design for sustainability and life cycle assessment.

Helen has written widely on product stewardship and corporate social responsibility including several books. She published Product stewardship in action in 2016 and is a co-author of Packaging for sustainability (2012) and Design + Environment (2001). She is an Adjunct Professor with the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Packaging.

Helen Millicer

Helen uniquely combines 30 years' expertise and experience in industry, business and government. She is currently advising the Australian Government and state governments on circular product design and systemic strategic changes to policies, strategies, targets, financial instruments and regulations. She is also collaborating with national peak industry associations on climate risks and emissions reductions. Helen has international networks in circular economy policies and effective programs, and depth in experience in packaging, plastics and organics. Recent roles include circular programs for the Vinyl Council of Australia, Victorian Government (Circular Economy action plan, Kerbside Reforms, renewable energy jobs fund) and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation on strategic targets and recycled content.

Helen has formal qualifications in business, carbon accounting, and through AICD in corporate governance. Helen has been recognised in several awards and scholarships, including a Churchill Fellowship and Victorian Government Women Leaders scholarship. Helen is currently Chair, Churchill Trust Committee; Board Advisor, Repeat Plastics (Replas) and co-founder of a new program Australian Associations on Climate and Emissions.

Damien Giurco

Professor Damien Giurco is Deputy Director, Research at the Institute for Sustainable Futures. With a focus on responsible prosperity, Damien has worked collaboratively with government and industry spanning the minerals, water, waste and energy sectors on strategy, modelling and policy, including circular economy. Damien is a director of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, chairs the advisory group for Ewaste Watch and was a member of the Expert Reference Group for the NSW 20 year waste strategy.