Speakers

Darren Thorpe

With nearly 40 years of experience in the recycling industry, Darren is the Managing Director of APR Group, a leading provider of innovative recycling solutions for paper, kerbside, and plastics in Australia. A passionate advocate for circularity, Darren is dedicated to transforming waste into a valuable resource, driving the shift towards a circular economy. Under his leadership, APR Group has been at the forefront of advanced recycling technologies, pioneering new ways to recover and repurpose materials that were once considered non-recyclable. Darren oversees the operations, sales, and strategy of the group’s four businesses—Australian Paper Recovery, APR Kerbside, and APR Plastics—ensuring that each contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. His vision and expertise continue to shape the industry, reinforcing APR’s role as a national leader in recycling innovation.

Dr Ross Headifen

Ross is a mechanical engineer, environmental advocate, and co-founder of Biogone, a company specializing in landfill-biodegradable plastics. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, he has dedicated his career to developing sustainable solutions for plastic waste. His passion for environmental sustainability was sparked during a volunteer stint in Tanzania, leading him to establish BeachPatrol, one of Victoria's largest community litter collection groups. He also co-founded FieldTech Solutions, supplying eco-friendly products for the environmental industry. Through his businesses, advocacy, and writing, Dr. Headifen continues to drive innovative approaches to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.

Adam Slater

Adam, commonly known as Adz, is the founder of Zero Plastics Australia. With a background in community activism and eco-conscious initiatives, Adz established Zero Plastic Australia with his wife Ashlee to raise awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and provide practical solutions for individuals and businesses to minimize their plastic footprint. Through grassroots campaigns, educational programs, and policy advocacy, Adz has been instrumental in driving change towards a plastic-free future in Australia.