The RECOUP Plastics Assembly | Solutions For a Circular Economy

Prof. John McGeehan

John and his team focus on solutions for recycling and upcycling plastics, including the development of enzymes that can break down polyesters and other commonly polluting plastics. John co-founded the Centre for Enzyme Innovation with Prof. Andy Pickford in 2018 at the University of Portsmouth. He took on the role of Secretary General for the World Plastics Association in Monaco in 2022 before moving to the National Laboratory of the Rockies in Colorado, home of the BOTTLE.org plastics consortium. John recently took up a new 125th Anniversary Chair at the University of Birmingham where he will lead collaborative projects in Engineering Biology.

Andrew Mullen

Andrew has spent 38 years working for major manufacturers in the white goods and consumer electronics sectors. For the past 20 years, he has worked for Beko PLC, where he is currently the Sustainability and Regulatory Affairs Specialist, leading on product safety and regulatory compliance. He also chairs the BSI CPL/59 committee, which oversees performance standards for household appliances. In the electrical waste sector, Andrew chairs the Joint Trade Associations Group, which brings together 12 trade associations affected by the WEEE Directive. He is also a Non-Executive Director of Ecogenesys (REPIC), a WEEE compliance scheme, and serves on the board of the UK Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO).

Cristina Fernandez Hierro

Cristina Fernandez Hierro is a passionate Recycling Education Co-ordinator at Peterborough City Council dedicated to inspiring environmental action and promoting circular economy principles across Peterborough. She develops and delivers engaging recycling and sustainability projects, educational workshops, assemblies, and community events that encourage waste reduction, reuse, and positive behaviour change. Cristina leads innovative initiatives such as the Second Chance Reuse Uniform Project, helping families access affordable school uniforms while keeping valuable textiles in use for longer and preventing waste. She also helps organise community litter picks and SWISH clothes swap events, bringing residents together to reduce waste, share resources, and take pride in their neighbourhoods. Her work has contributed to Peterborough City Council receiving an LGC Awards Bronze Award for Environmental Services. Through strong partnerships with schools, community groups, businesses, charities, and council teams, Cristina creates meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to make greener choices and support a more sustainable future.

Anisa Gallagher

Anisa Gallagher is UK Advocacy and EU External Affairs Manager at Braskem, where she leads engagement on policy and regulatory developments shaping the future of sustainable materials and packaging. With extensive expertise in public affairs, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, she works at the intersection of industry, government, and sustainability to advance bio-based and circular solutions. Anisa is a recognised advocate for bio-based plastics and renewable carbon in packaging, with particular focus on UK and European policy frameworks.

Stuart Hayward-Higham

Currently responsible for a range of strategy, policy, commercial and innovation development activities for SUEZ UK. Stuart works across the whole value chain from collection to end of waste in SUEZ and across the value chain from working on how design influences waste outcomes to new products from waste such as repaired and reused items to fuels and chemicals from residual waste. Stuart uses data to help define and deliver waste prevention, reuse, circular and sustainable solutions, carbon or resource consumption reduction and insight for improvement across the full value chain. Stuart has over 30 years’ of experience in the environmental, resource and waste industry and has amassed wide technical and commercial skills and experience in the systems of management, markets, strategy, technologies and the environment. He is a fellow of CIWM.

Polly Knight

Polly Knight is Head of Projects at Behaviour Change, where she leads programmes that help businesses, governments and organisations inspire more sustainable behaviours. Before joining Behaviour Change, Polly held corporate affairs and sustainability-focused roles at Mars and Tate & Lyle, giving her first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges facing brands, manufacturers and the wider supply chain. Drawing on this cross-sector perspective, she works at the intersection of strategy, behaviour change and circularity to help organisations turn ambition into action. Polly brings a practical, systems-based view of shared responsibility and what it really takes to drive lasting behaviour change.

Mike Jefferson

Mike is the Managing Director of EPRO, the circular plastics association, whose members include producer responsibility organisations (PROs), national waste plastic collection bodies, and national plastic circularity organisations. He has 34 years’ experience in the waste management and recycling sector. Areas of specialism include the treatment of recyclables, markets for secondary raw materials, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and waste policy & legislation. As well as his work with EPRO, he is the Technical Director at CEFLEX and a technical consultant to EXPRA. He is the Director of Verde Research and Consulting Ltd.

John Steele

John Steele is a commercial and strategic leader with over 20 years’ experience in the FMCG sector. As part of Exchange for Change, he is supporting the implementation of the UK Deposit Return Scheme, working across industry and government to help deliver one of the most significant changes to the UK’s recycling infrastructure in a generation. Drawing on extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, commercial leadership and business transformation, John brings practical insight into the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a more circular economy and the role Deposit Return Schemes can play in improving resource recovery and sustainability outcomes.

Leyla Lugal

Leyla is a Principal Consultant, senior modeller, and senior project manager, with extensive experience in the plastic and wider waste markets. With almost a decade of experience at Eunomia, she has conducted numerous plastic packaging mass flows and market assessments for public and private sector clients, and jointly leads Eunomia’s supply and demand modelling, forecasting tailored waste flows and capacity levels to assess the capacity gap and need for investment.

Catherine Conway

Catherine set-up the first version of Unpackaged in 2006 as the world’s first modern zero waste shop and her passion for developing reuse systems within various sectors has enabled many other businesses to create real and lasting change. Catherine’s focus at GoUnpackaged is split between consultancy work driving real world reuse solutions, as well as collaborating with NGOs and governments to shape the policy needed for a reuse economy to thrive. Catherine sits on DEFRA’s Circular Economy Taskforce designing reuse into England’s national Circular Economy Strategy.

Stuart Lendrum

Stuart Lendrum is a senior leader with over 30 years’ experience in product, sustainability, packaging and global food supply chains. He is known for combining commercial results with measurable sustainability outcomes, driving innovation and large-scale change. As Director of Product, Process & Sustainability at Iceland Foods, he leads product, packaging, technical, ethical trade and regulatory functions, delivering faster private-label launches, major efficiency gains, a 51% reduction in plastic use and a 47% cut in food waste, while advancing digital and AI transformation. Previously at Sainsbury’s, he led global ethical sourcing across 70+ countries and helped shape sustainability standards. He holds qualifications in Packaging Science and Chemical Engineering and was a founding board member for OPRL and its first executive director ahead of stepping away after fourteen years supporting its journey to being the global benchmark it is today.

Jeremy Blake

Jeremy Blake started his career in Shell Research before opportunity led him to Crime Scene Science. His interest in solving problems using science led him to move into the recycling industry. With time spent developing and operating MRFs and sorting operations through to reprocessing of glass and polymers, he has gained a wide knowledge of the practical functions required to unlock the circular economy of packaging. Previously held positions include Chief Operating Officer of Enval, followed by Managing Director and later Director of Circular Economy for Berry Global (now Amcor). Currently he is the Chief Executive Officer of PackUK, and is leading the development and operations of the UK’s packaging extended producer responsibility scheme.

Dr Anna Willetts

Anna is an environmental criminal lawyer, specialising in defence work in the waste and recycling industry. She is dual-qualified, having completed a PhD in geochemistry and worked as an environmental consultant before qualifying as a lawyer. Anna represents waste and recycling businesses and directors who are prosecuted by the regulators (Environment Agency and local authorities) for environmental and waste offences. She is a Past President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and a Trustee of the Board. She is also Co-Convenor of UKELA’s Waste Working Party and sits on ESA’s Waste Regulation Group.

Jim Armstrong

Chairman Board member since 1999. More than 35 years experience in the plastics recycling industry in Europe, USA and the Far East, instrumental in both the setup of greenfield projects and also in restructuring existing businesses. Member of the Board of PRE (Plastic Recyclers Europe). Committee member of the BPF Recycling Group. Previous President of the French Recyclers. Jim believes that the success of plastic recycling in the UK can only come about through cooperation and dialogue between all parties in the packaging chain. He has supported RECOUP to grow a membership that creates a forum where constructive communications can take place.

Kevin Vyse

Kevin Vyse FIOM3 is Director of Sustainability for ProAmpac Europe and one of the packaging industry's leading voices on circular economy strategy, sustainable packaging, and regulatory compliance. With more than 30 years of experience across packaging technology, manufacturing, innovation, and sustainability leadership, Kevin has held senior technical and commercial roles throughout the packaging sector. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and regularly contributes to industry discussions on circularity, packaging policy, Extended Producer Responsibility, and the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Kevin is a recognised advocate for practical, science-based sustainability solutions.

Dr Jen Vanderhoven

Dr Jen Vanderhoven is CEO of the Bio-based and Biodegradable Industries Association (BBIA), a biotechnology leader with 20+ years’ experience spanning R&D, commercial strategy, and sustainable innovation. She champions bio-based materials, circular bioeconomy policy, and strategic partnerships to drive positive environmental and industry transformation.

Adrian Whyle

Adrian has 45 years’ International experience in the speciality chemicals and plastics industry, in roles ranging from pure R&D to New Product Development, Manufacturing, Technology & Knowledge Transfer, Innovation Leadership and International Marketing & Communications. Over the last 20+ years he has combined his experience within these roles to help minimise the impact of society’s behaviour on the environment by specialising in Innovation and Resource Efficiency.

Ceris Turner-Bailes

Ceris has worked internationally leading programmes, research, and advocacy initiatives for governments, NGOs and the private sector. She has worked extensively across the globe with a key focus on the African continent delivering complex programmes as well as working in the policy environment. Her work has always had a strong focus on partnership, quality and impact. Ceris has worked across a number of development sectors including poverty alleviation, livelihoods, health and water and sanitation. She has delivered complex programmes in both development and emergency contexts as well as strategically building programmes and developing international organisations. Ceris was drawn to WasteAid for its potential to positively impact the lives of so many. Tackling the complex issue of waste management can help deliver many development goals – human and environmental. Prior to joining WasteAid, Ceris had been working for over a decade in the humanitarian and development sectors, she began her professional career as a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force and previously served in HM Diplomatic Service as well as a stint in private consultancy.

Sam Jones

Sam Jones, Director, Sustainability and Policy at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain Sam has 15 years of experience creating, driving and leading sustainability programmes. He joined Coca Cola Europacific Partners in 2021 to lead on climate and sustainability in GB, having previously worked for the FTSE 100-listed DS Smith where he established their industry-leading ‘Now and Next’ sustainability strategy. Since joining, he has been instrumental in the introduction of attached caps to CCEP products and has spearheaded many industry-leading projects. Recognising the need to align internal efforts on sustainability with public advocacy, Sam’s role has evolved to take on more responsibility for CCEP GB’s public affairs activities, with an immediate focus on an interoperable GB Deposit Return Scheme. Sam has a background in Geography and is currently studying for an MSt in Sustainability Leadership with the Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership.

Dr Faye Smith, OBE, CEng, FIMMM

Faye is a Director of Avalon Consultancy Services and Chair of the Board of Composites UK. In her Consultancy role Faye supports the materials sector in strategy, R&D, inward investment and business development. For 17 years she was a Materials Specialist for the Dept for Business & Trade and its predecessors. In her specialist area of composite materials, Faye helped develop two UK Composite Strategies, the first of which established the NCC. Faye is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and was awarded an OBE in 2022.

David Bargery

David Bargery, known in the industry as “Plastic David,” is a UK-based machinery specialist with over 30 years’ experience in plastics recycling and extrusion. As Director of Regis Machinery, he has played a key role in delivering major bottle-to-bottle PET recycling infrastructure across the UK. David works closely with leading European technology partners AMUT, STARLINGER, NORDSON & KREYENBORG, focusing on sorting, washing, extrusion, filtration and food-grade recycling solutions. He is now focused on transforming MRF operations through mini-PRF upgrades within existing plants—because as PET bottles move into DRS, the real opportunity is unlocking higher value from HDPE, PP and LDPE by producing a range of high-purity bales at MRF level.

Brian Lodge

Brian joined the BPF in November 2022 as Director of Plastics and Flexible Packaging. Having spent his career in various roles within the industry, mainly in design, NPD and management, he has accumulated a wide range of knowledge related to plastic packaging in the UK and abroad. Brian chairs the RECOUP Recyclability by Design committee and the WRAP Flexible Plastics committee, sits on the OPRL and RAM Technical Advisory Committees, as well as being involved in other industry initiatives.

Adrian Hawkes

Adrian Hawkes is a mechanical engineer with a background in the FMCG manufacturing sector. He has worked in producer responsibility for over 25 years, 20 of which as Policy Director at the compliance scheme Valpak. He was instrumental in establishing the producer responsibility regime for packaging in the UK and regularly participates in expert working groups to advise Governments and others on EPR. He was a member of the Advisory Committee on Packaging for over 10 years.

Jon Brookes

Jon Brookes is Chief Partnerships & Growth Officer at Ecosurety, where he leads the commercial and sustainability teams and is responsible for strategic partnerships and growth across the organisation. He works closely with Ecosurety’s customers, helping major brands and retailers navigate compliance requirements and leverage data to make smarter, more sustainable packaging decisions. Jon also collaborates with industry partners across the value chain to accelerate the transition towards a more circular packaging system, including acting as an advisory member of the RECOUP board.

Paul Wallace

Paul Wallace is Head of Operations at Keep Scotland Beautiful. He is responsible for driving the collaboration and innovation needed to generate programmes and campaigns that have a positive impact and contribute to our vision of a clean, green sustainable Scotland. He leads a wide range of exciting and impactful activity working with the Scottish Government and public agencies, with councils and businesses and local communities. With 30 years knowledge and experience leading and delivering programmes and projects in local government, the wider public and third sector he has a talent for bringing together partners and funders to create opportunities to address climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve places.

Dr Margaret Bates

Dr Margaret Bates has nearly 40 years experience in waste management and the circular economy, across academia, government, and industry. She led the establishment of the UK’s Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme Administrator working across governments and the packaging value chain. Previously she has held roles as Managing Director of OPRL, Professor of Sustainable Wastes Management and President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management. Margaret is a Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Wastes Manager, International Wastes Manager, and a Fellow of both CIWM and IOM3 as well as a Founding Fellow of the Circular Economy Institute.

Cressida Bowyer

Cressida is Professor of Arts and Science for Sustainability and a Director of the Revolution Plastics Institute at the University of Portsmouth. A biological scientist with a professional background in the arts, her interdisciplinary research addresses global challenges including plastic pollution, health, waste and the transition to circular economies. Cressida combines scientific research with participatory and arts-based methods, working with communities, policymakers, NGOs and industry to develop transformative solutions. Her research on the lived experience of waste pickers, reuse systems and plastic policy has informed international debates, including the UN Global Plastics Treaty negotiations. She is committed to creating inclusive, evidence-based pathways towards a sustainable, just and zero-waste future.

Gavin Anderson

Gavin Anderson is Director of Communications & Public Affairs at Veolia UK, leading teams across Public Affairs, Policy, Corporate Communications, Education, Community & Outreach, and Sustainability. He is responsible for shaping engagement with government, customers, communities, and employees, translating complex issues across energy, waste, and water into clear and impactful communications. With a career spanning policy, politics, communications, and corporate strategy, Gavin specialises in turning regulatory complexity into strategic advantage. He has extensive experience working with Ministers, MPs, senior civil servants, and industry leaders, influencing policy in resources and waste, energy, and environmental regulation. He has a strong track record of aligning communications and public affairs with commercial priorities, strengthening stakeholder relationships, supporting major developments, and enhancing organisational reputation. His focus is on positioning communications as a strategic driver of growth, trust, and long-term value.

Liam Moloney

Liam has served as CEO of IFFPG, Ireland’s national farm plastics EPR scheme, for the past 19 years. Under his leadership, the organisation has built strong partnerships with producers, farmers, and other key stakeholders, enabling Ireland to achieve a 95% recycling rate for farm plastics. Before joining IFFPG, Liam worked across both the private sector and public bodies, gaining extensive experience in waste management and environmental protection. He holds an MSc in Water Science & Technology from Trinity College Dublin and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of North London.

Alan Wheeler

Alan Wheeler is Chief Executive Officer of the Textile Recycling Association (TRA), the UK trade association representing businesses involved in the collection, sorting, reuse and recycling of used clothing and textiles. Alan has worked with the TRA for more than two decades and represents the sector with government, regulators and other stakeholders in the UK and internationally. He is also General Secretary of the Textiles Division of the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), serves on the board of Recycling Europe’s Textiles Branch, and represents the TRA as a partner in the EU-funded SORT4CIRC project. His work focuses particularly on textile reuse and recycling, circular economy policy, extended producer responsibility, international trade and waste shipment regulation. Alan is a strong advocate for evidence-based policy that supports reuse and recycling while recognising the important economic, social and environmental role played by the international second-hand clothing trade.

Helen McFarlane

I have worked for McDonald’s for over 30 years, starting as a crew member and working my way up through the Operations hierarchy before joining the Sustainability Team in 2010. Since that time I have completed a degree in Environmental Studies with the Open University. I am currently responsible for the Circularity (Packaging and Recycling) strategy, and support the Climate Action strategy, and ESG reporting. Our Circularity goals are to source all packaging from renewable, recycled or certified sources – which we achieved by the end of 2024, and to recycle all restaurant waste by 2027. Our Climate goals focus on the targets McDonald’s UK and Ireland has set, which is to achieve net zero emissions in our Restaurants and Offices by 2030, and across our value chain by 2040. At an industry level, I work with a number of different groups on packaging strategy and advocacy, including the Alliance for Fibre-based Packaging, the Producer PRO Steering Group and the National Cup Recycling Scheme.

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