SACC welcomes you to attend an inspiring event focused on demystifying the concept of circular economy (CE). Transitioning to a circular economy is crucial today to address the environmental challenges posed by our current linear economy, where resources are extracted, used, and then disposed of. Businesses play a critical role in advancing the transition to a CE by transforming their current linear business models.
Why is the transition crucial?
- It reduces the pressure on finite resources, helping to conserve them for future generations.
- It minimizes waste generation and pollution, leading to a cleaner environment and healthier ecosystems.
- It promotes innovation and economic growth by creating new business models, products, and services that are more sustainable and resource-efficient.
The event will start with an introduction to Circular Economy for businesses by Dr Nicole T Garofano, Head of Circular Economy Development Planet Ark Environmental Foundation followed by a workshop facilitated by Circular Economy Specialist, Linda Nordin. Linda will review the drivers behind the circular economy, why everyone talks about it, and the importance of businesses shifting from a linear to a circular business model. She will explain what the circular economy means for you and your business, as well as the benefits of adapting circularity. Linda is known for finding and implementing practical circular solutions that make economic sense.
At this event, you will:
- Discover the 10 steps to transition your business models from linear to circular, and learn how this aligns with the upcoming ISO standard for CE (anticipated release in early 2024).
- Engage in discussions and activities with fellow participants to kickstart your Circular journey.
- Explore real-world examples of how businesses are implementing circularity today, including both services and products.
- Network with like-minded people
The event will end with networking opportunities after a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring the following key stakeholders in the Australian Circular Economy context:
- Dr Nicole T Garofano, Head of Circular Economy Development Planet Ark Environmental Foundation
- Cathrine Hill, Senior Investment Advisor for Circular Economy – Europe Desk at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
- Lauren Pulitano, Vice President of Public Affairs at Volvo Group Australia
- Brittany Wappett, Sustainability Advisor at Sandvik
The panellists, will share their insights on:
- Key initiatives, opportunities, and challenges for companies aiming to become circular today.
- Their strategies for actively supporting companies in transitioning from a linear to circular business model, and why they believe the time is now!
The discussion is facilitated by Linda Nordin.
Register now to join us for this insightful workshop and discussion on the Circular Economy!
When: Tuesday 12 March, 5.30-8.30 pm
Where: Sandvik, 135 Coronation Drive, (Entry from Little Cribb Street), Milton, QLD 4064
SACC Members: Free, Non Members: $15 (drinks and nibbles will be served)
This event is kindly supported by:
About the speakers:
Dr Nicole T Garofano, Head of Circular Economy Development for Planet Ark
In her role, Nicole leads the strategy implementation for the Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub), the national reference platform for circular economy knowledge and collaboration in Australia. For 20 years, Nicole has worked in environmental education and action with a focus on waste management, and in recent years, circular economy. Nicole has a PhD from research focused on the plastic food and beverage packaging value chain, identifying innovation to improve chain activities and outcomes. Nicole is an Associate of the Australian Institute of Packaging.
Linda Nordin, Circular Economy Specialist, Senior Associate Engineer, Waste & Resource Recovery
Linda Nordin is a Senior Associate Environmental Engineer at SMEC with 20 years of experience in strategic planning, implementing and operating waste, organic and recycling services for waste service providers as well as Local Councils. She has long experience in planning and implementing actions that divert waste from landfill and delivers towards net zero and a circular economy system to commercial customers. Linda has worked with undertaken feasibility studies around modern technology for Wet and Dry Anaerobic digestion, MRF facilities in remote regions, IVC processing and renewable fuel production incl. Hydrogen and vacuum technology using Optic sort.
Cathrine Hill, Senior Investment Advisor for Circular Economy – Europe Desk at Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade)
Cathrine is working with Austrade’s global network to develop and implement strategies to target and attract productive foreign direct investment into Circular Economy and Future Transport sectors from Europe and the Middle East. Working with existing investors to deliver insight and analysis to promote further investment in Australia. Working with key government and industry stakeholders to develop a whole of government approach to investment attraction within the Circular Economy.
Lauren Pulitano, Vice President of Public Affairs at Volvo Group Australia
Lauren has been working at the Volvo Group in the commercial transport sector for 16 years, both locally in Australia and internationally across the Asia Pacific region and Europe – including time at Volvo’s Headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. Over this time Lauren has gained extensive experience in supporting operators, cities and governments plan their decarbonisation journeys, including new zero emission technologies, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and local manufacturing. In her current role she works across all Volvo Group business units including Volvo Trucks, Buses, Construction Equipment and Volvo Penta Marine and Industrial engines. Lauren is currently a member of the QLD Manufacturing Ministerial Council, and is passionate about promoting the heavy transport industry, sustainability and shaping the world we want to live in together.
Brittany Wappett, Sustainability Advisor, Sales Area Australia & New Zealand, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions
With over a decade of experience, Brittany brings extensive expertise in sustainability, quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) management across diverse industries. Brittany is committed to utilising her skills and experience to contribute to a brighter, more sustainable future. During the last 12 years Brittany has worked in the mining, construction and manufacturing industries across a variety of sustainability, health, safety, environmental management and quality roles. Brittany has a has Bachelor of Environmental Management degree majoring in sustainable development (honours) and a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Queensland, Australia.
