ESS Expo 2024: Post-Show Review
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The 2024 Environmental Services and Solutions Expo (ESS) took place at the NEC, Birmingham on 11-12 September 2024. Featuring five co-located expos that make up the ESS Expo family – Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM), Energy, Fuels & Decarbonisation Expo (EFD), Water Resource Management Expo (WRM), Air Pollution Control Expo (APC), and Contamination & Land Remediation Expo (CLR) – the event drew thousands of industry experts, suppliers, and thought leaders under one roof. A true highlight of the environmental services calendar, ESS 2024 delivered cutting-edge innovations, insightful panels, and invaluable networking opportunities across two jam-packed days at the NEC, Birmingham.
View the full 2024 highlights video here
ESS Day One: A Buzzing Start
From the moment the doors opened on day one, the energy in the halls was palpable. Halls 17-20 were teeming with exhibitors showcasing the latest technologies across resource management, recycling, energy, air quality, land remediation, water management, and everything in between. The newly launched APC Expo, focusing on air quality solutions and emissions monitoring, added an exciting dimension to the 2024 show. Delegates had the opportunity to explore everything from innovative recycling methods to decarbonisation strategies across all four halls.
While it would be impossible to cover all the sessions in detail, some of these key highlights from the recycling and resource sectors deserve special mention.
Waging War on Plastics at the Touch of a Button
Kicking off the Energy, Fuels & Decarbonisation keynote stage, Nik Spencer, founder and CEO of Mission HERU, took the audience on a fascinating journey through the development of the Hybrid Energy Resource Unit (HERU). This innovative technology tackles the plastic pollution crisis by converting hard-to-recycle materials into residential heat sources using a pyrolysis process originally developed by NASA. HERU offers a compelling solution to waste management, especially as it is capable of processing food waste, plastics, and even sanitary items. The session highlighted how this type of innovation can support a circular economy by finding new uses for waste materials.
In Conversation with Chris Packham
Attendees were treated to a captivating fireside chat featuring one of the UK's most influential environmentalists, Chris Packham. Hosted by Niki Roach, past president of CIWEM and host of the Planet Possible podcast, the session was a rich blend of personal anecdotes, expert insights, and candid discussions on today’s most pressing environmental issues.
Chris Packham shared fascinating stories from his career, from his early days on The Really Wild Show to his renowned role on BBC’s Springwatch, and his founding of a leading wildlife production company. His passion for wildlife, coupled with sharp business acumen, offered attendees an inspiring glimpse into his extraordinary journey, engaging in discussions about the innovative solutions needed to secure a sustainable future for our planet.
The conversation, part of a live recording for the Planet Possible podcast, offered a thought-provoking exchange of ideas, focusing on climate adaptation, resilience, and the critical need for diversity and inclusion in the environmental sector.
Environment Agency’s Fight Against Waste Crime
The Environment Agency (EA) took the stage to discuss how their partnerships are combating waste crime. Building on their 2023 presentation, the EA’s waste crime specialists elaborated on the role critical thinking plays in creating a level playing field within the industry. They invited attendees to collaborate with the agency, promising a fairer business environment for legitimate companies across the waste sector.
Planet Earth and beyond…
Mike Gunton, Creative Director of the BBC Studios Natural History Unit, delivered a compelling session on how to portray the challenges facing the natural world while keeping audiences engaged. With over four decades of experience producing award-winning series such as Planet Earth II and III, Africa, The Green Planet, Dynasties, and Prehistoric Planet, Mike provided invaluable insights into the art of wildlife filmmaking and its applications to our sector.
During the talk, Mike explored the delicate balance needed to tell the story of how humanity is changing the planet and what this means for all its inhabitants, including ourselves. He explained how his team uses extraordinary visuals, powerful storytelling, and emotive, character-driven narratives to bring the wonders of nature to screens across the globe. This approach has not only captivated millions but also heightened public awareness and concern for the environment.
Mike emphasised the responsibility wildlife filmmakers have in portraying both the beauty and the challenges of the natural world with authenticity. His insights underlined the vital role storytelling plays in inspiring audiences to care more deeply about nature and the impact of humanity on the planet.
ESS Day Two: Continuing the Momentum
Day two saw even more industry leaders sharing their expertise. The Summit stage hosted multiple insightful panels addressing the most pressing challenges currently facing the sector.
Enabling Net Zero: Reuse Shops at HWRCs
SUEZ UK led a fascinating panel discussing consumer attitudes towards reuse shops at household waste and recycling centres (HWRCs). Their research showed that 95% of people were satisfied with their local reuse shop, highlighting the importance of public awareness and the need for visually appealing shops. Anna Scott from Keep Britain Tidy, who worked alongside SUEZ UK on the research, emphasised the role these shops play in reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
Leaders in Waste Panel
One of the most popular sessions of the Expo, the Leaders in Waste panel, was Chaired by Dr Anna Willetts of gunnercooke LLP, and featured Jenny Harrison of enfinium, John Scanlon of SUEZ UK, Maxine Mayhew of Biffa, Neil Grundon of Grundon Waste Management, and Steve Molyneux of Environment Agency. The panel unpacked market trends, unveiled cutting-edge solutions for waste reduction and resource recovery, and explored the impact of recent regulations and their implications in achieving a truly sustainable future.
Circular Economy Insights from Defra
Emma Bourne OBE, Director of Resources and Waste at Defra, provided an update on the government’s circular economy bill. She stressed the importance of adopting a circular economy framework in the UK, citing The Netherlands as a case study. Audience members urged the government to consider the broader social impact of circularity initiatives, particularly regarding poverty alleviation through sustainable practices.
Innovation and Recognition: The Heart of ESS
In addition to panel discussions and presentations, ESS 2024 served as a platform to celebrate innovation and talent within the environmental sector. The Environment 100 Awards and 35 Under 35 Awards recognised individuals and organisations pushing the boundaries of sustainability.
The Environment 100 ceremony, hosted by Letsrecycle.com Editor Libby Stonell, honoured key players within the waste and recycling sector. Winners were presented with engraved wooden boxes containing wildflowers, symbolising their contributions to environmental stewardship.
The 35 Under 35 Awards, sponsored by Grundon Waste Management, celebrated young leaders in the sector. The event drew an audience of over 140, with last year’s winners offering insights into the challenges and opportunities for the next generation of green talent. Darren Forster from Biogen UK and Niamh Harris from Thalia Waste Management were this year’s standout winners.
A Platform for the Future
ESS and RWM Expo 2024 brought together a comprehensive range of sectors, from waste management and recycling to decarbonisation and water solutions. The event was more than just an exhibition – it provided a critical platform for the exchange of ideas, the showcasing of ground-breaking innovations, and the celebration of industry leaders. From cutting-edge technology to vital discussions on policy and sustainability, ESS 2024 reaffirmed its position as the UK’s largest and most essential environmental gathering.
For those who attended, the event offered a wealth of knowledge, connections, and inspiration. As we look ahead to ESS 2025, the conversations and collaborations started here will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of the environmental sector.
If you missed out, mark your calendars for next year – the 2025 ESS Expo promises to build on this year’s success with even more innovation and leadership across the environmental services spectrum, and takes place on 10-11 September 2025.
Register your interest to stay up-to-date with all key announcements here.