ESS Expo 2024 delivers record-breaking attendance

ESS Expo 2024 has revealed record-breaking attendance figures from this year’s event, solidifying its role in bringing the environmental services sectors together to provide sustainable solutions across the industry. For the very first time, ESS Expo united five key events for a 360-degree view of the environmental sector, attracting 12,328 visitors - a 10% increase compared to 2023.

Each of the individual shows experienced significant growth in visitor numbers. The Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM) remains the flagship event in the portfolio, welcoming 9,222 attendees - an 18% rise from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Contamination & Land Remediation Expo (CLR) recorded an increase of 36%, bringing in 2,738 visitors and the Energy, Fuels & Decarbonisation Expo (EFD) attracted 3,036. The Water & Resource Management Expo (WRM) drew 2,413 attendees, a 32% increase from last year, while the brand-new Air Pollution Control Expo (APC) made an impressive debut with 1,209 visitors.

Speaking about the show, Edele Mallon, Marketing Officer at Ulster Shredders, said: “[The show] has been an excellent platform for spreading awareness of our trading capabilities and new products. We've been impressed by the diversity of technology on display and have discovered some promising new products. The event generated genuine leads, and we've had the opportunity to showcase our latest high-quality products and expertise.”

Helen Liang, CTO of LabCycle, and visitor at ESS Expo 2024, added: “ESS Expo is a fantastic opportunity to take the pulse of the industry, see what's happening with collaborations, and explore the latest developments in recycling plastic. It's great to see practical solutions that are easy to implement and integrate into existing systems on display. Being here makes change feel achievable for businesses of all sizes and the diversity of companies present is great to see.”

Latest products on offer

Over 600 exhibitors from 58 countries joined the two-day event to launch and showcase their latest products, services, and unique solutions. Ulster Shredders expanded its product line with the introduction of the S-18 and S-22 Single Shaft Shredders. These innovative machines represent a significant advancement in shredding technology, offering exceptional performance and efficiency. Designed with user-friendliness and durability in mind, the S-18 and S-22 feature interchangeable screens and knives for easy maintenance and optimal productivity.

Located in RWM, heavy equipment and construction machinery manufacturer, Develon, launched its new wheel loader design for the waste handling industry. The new waste wheel loader was on the show floor displaying its novel design featuring a strong, lightweight loader frame and a unique and innovative lifting arm that minimises the front-end weight of the machine, giving a five-metre lift height. Designed for loading waste material into high sided containers such as walking or moving floor trailers, Develon’s new machinery attracted a lot of attention. Meanwhile, first-time exhibitor, Speedy Drums, displayed its range of manufacture conveyor drive drums and conveyor tail drums for the waste management industry.

At EFD, VEGA presented its range of level and pressure measurement solutions, tailored to support the sustainable energy sector. Through working demonstrations, visitors were able to get expert advice and instructions on its latest products, including VEGAPULS 6X radar level sensors, VEGAPULS Air autonomous radar sensor range, and more.

Providing learning experiences at WRM, Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, shared its latest Water Breakthrough Challenge 5 competition aimed to transform the UK water sector. Focusing on education and knowledge, Ofwat shared learnings from two new reports entitled ‘Circularity in Water’ and ‘Supporting Water-Efficient Communities’.

Elite headliners

Speaker sessions, panels, and Q&As were delivered by more than 350 experts across the show’s 17 stages and theatres. Industry giants and government bodies such as Defra, CIWM, ESA, Environment Agency, Suez, Southern Water, Viridor, and Biffa were joined by representatives from the likes of Mott MacDonald, Ecologica, Greyparrot, Auditel, AMCON, and many others. The conversations and sessions addressed some of the most topics concerning net-zero, the circular economy, and biodiversity.

Headlining the Summit Stage on day one (Wednesday, 11 September) was naturalist, TV presenter, and author Chris Packham, who led a session, ‘In Conversation with Chris Packham’, which shared his perspectives on the current state of environmental policies and emphasised the urgent need for proactive action. Packham advocated for the inclusion of diverse role models in the environmental sector, underscoring the importance of representation from various ethnic backgrounds to drive meaningful change and growth. He also highlighted the “significant benefits of a neurodiverse workforce”, noting how diverse thinking styles can “enrich environmental discussions and lead to innovative solutions.”

He encouraged attendees to see themselves as empowered agents of change, urging everyone to “take action and seize opportunities to make a positive impact” amidst the current environmental challenges. Packham also spoke on the critical role of the Green Belt in providing access to green spaces and advocated for a focus on improving farming and forestry practices, which are vital for conservation and wildlife growth.

Also headlining the Summit Theatre was Mike Gunton, Executive Producer and Creative Director for the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and creator of award-winning series such as Africa, Planet Earth 2 and 3, The Green Planet, Dynasties, and Prehistoric Planet. His session on day one, ‘Planet Earth and Beyond: How to Show the Challenges Facing the Natural World and Keep Your Audience Engaged’, delved into the growing narrative around how human activities are reshaping our planet and the profound implications for all its inhabitants. He discussed the art of presenting these complex and urgent environmental issues with authenticity while ensuring how to captivate and inspire audiences.

Green talent

A recurring theme throughout the show was the importance of securing a strong pipeline of green talent to meet future demands. The Summit Theatre welcomed Dr Adam Read MBE, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer at Suez UK, as the moderator for a panel session, ‘Enabling the Net Zero transition - unleashing green talent through training, mentoring and networks,’ featuring Martin Baxter, Deputy CEO at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA), and Nathan Cookson, Head of Learning and Development at the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM). The panel discussed the need for developing skills and new talent across various sectors to achieve the UK's ambitious climate goals, as well as the challenges and opportunities in creating a workforce capable of leading the transition.

Baxter highlighted that while the government is focused on the power sector's role in achieving net zero, the need for talent spans far beyond energy: “The next 6-7 years are critical,” he said. When asked about the main barrier to progress, his answer was clear: "skills and capability." Cookson also shared insights into the talent needs of the waste and refurbishment sectors, estimating that 140,000 people will be needed to fill roles in these industries, and emphasised that it’s not just core jobs in these industries that matter but also the supporting and enabling roles.

The topic of a sustainably skilled workforce was also extensively covered at the dedicated Green Skills & Future Talent Stage, sponsored by Grundon. Andy Harrison, Head of Delivery & Learning at Groundwork, led a session titled, ‘Attracting Talent: Creating Accessible Pathways into the Waste and Resources Sector for Young People’ which discussed the importance of engaging young people in green careers, particularly within the waste and resources sector, and explored lessons from other industries on creating accessible pathways for job seekers from underrepresented backgrounds.

Later, Simon Clark, Science Communicator at Tired Bear Films, along with Chris Isaac from FCC Environment, and Baxter from the IEMA, led a group Q&A session titled ‘Green Skills: How to Encourage More People into Jobs in the Environment Sector’ which enabled attendees to engage with the experts for insights into building a skilled green workforce. Meanwhile, Judy Ling Wong, Honorary President of the Black Environment Network spoke on ‘Worldwide Collaboration and Multiculturalism in the 21st Century.’

The Women in Resource & Sustainability session at the Environment Networking Hub celebrated the contributions of women in the resource, recycling, and waste management sectors. Here, Vicki Hughes, Board Member & Technical Lead at Wood Recyclers’ Association; Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP; Fiona Campbell, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Biffa; Francesca O'Neill, Head of Corporate Engagement at Bankers4NetZero; Gwen Frost, Director at Resource Futures; and Jacqueline O'Donovan OBE, Former Managing Director at O'Donovan Waste Disposal Ltd., discussed overcoming challenges, fostering diversity, and the importance of flexible working arrangements to increase participation.

Nearing towards a circular economy

The circular economy was a central theme at the event, with a strong focus on packaging, recycling, and data. At the Circular Economy & Sustainability Stage, a panel discussion titled 'How Your Business Can Thrive and Survive in the Circular Future!’ featured leading experts Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP; Geoff Mackey, UK Head of Plastics Europe; Kieren Mayers, Vice President of Environment, Social & Governance at Sony Interactive Entertainment; Lauren Rabbitte, Associate Director at Effective Consumable Solutions (ECS); Matt Manning, Head of Circular Economy at BT Group plc; and Rob McCann, Head of Environment, Climate & Nature at Virgin Media O2. The panellists shared best practices and hard-won insights on navigating the transition to a circular economy, offering practical tips on everything from product design and lifecycle management to innovative service models and building strong partnerships within the circular economy.

Later, Nick Stillwell, Managing Director of Protomax, highlighted his key achievement, the invention and creation of Stormboard, a plywood alternative made entirely from non-recyclable materials. Initially developed to build protective structures in disaster-affected areas such as Haiti, Stormboard exemplifies the importance of a circular economy, where producers take responsibility for reclaiming, reusing, and recycling materials. In his session titled ‘Recycling the Unrecyclable,’ Stillwell cited notable examples, such as the signage for the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the London Marathon, both made entirely from waste materials.

Packaging plays a pivotal role in the transition to a circular economy and 64% of consumers now state that they are more likely to purchase products that support sustainable packaging practices. The Packaging and EPR Stage, sponsored by Valpak, brought together experts from WRAP, ESA, Biffa, DEFRA, Suez, and others to address key themes and challenges within this area.

On day two, a panel came together to discuss the highly topical and often contentious subject of ‘The progress of Extended Producer Responsibility’. Catherine Guy, Relationship Manager at Beyondly Global Limited; George Atkinson, Head of Policy at Valpak; Jordan Girling, Head of EPR at WRAP; Patrick Brighty, Head of Recycling Policy at ESA; and Paul Vanston, Chief Executive of The Industry Council for Packaging & the Environment, provided a comprehensive overview of the progress made, the challenges that remain, and the road ahead.

Atkinson opened the discussion by reflecting on the current state of EPR, noting that while significant progress has been made, the process is “far from over.” He emphasised that producers are beginning to accept the realities of EPR but with over a year remaining before full implementation, there is still much to be done.

Girling shared his experience with EPR systems worldwide, stressing the importance of harmonisation across countries for smoother implementation, while Guy focused on the challenges businesses face in the transition to EPR, particularly in data collection and uncertainty around liabilities. She mentioned that some companies, like Fentimans, are concerned about the potential financial burden, urging for clearer communication and guidance from the government to help alleviate these fears. Vanston underscored that EPR will be managed through a hybrid scheme involving both government and NGOs but acknowledged that ongoing uncertainty about costs makes planning difficult for businesses. He called for statutory targets to ensure financial backing, arguing that without these targets, securing necessary funding would be challenging.

AI and tech

In the panel discussion, ‘The Environmental Services AI Revolution: Are You on Board?’ experts examined AI’s impact on environmental services. Amy Hooper, Innovation Manager at Biffa Waste Services, discussed AI’s role in improving waste management and emphasised the need for ethical AI practices and data security. Chris Smith, Lead Consultant Resource Efficiency and Circularity at Beyondly Global Ltd, highlighted AI’s integration into environmental services and the importance of understanding its capabilities and cybersecurity risks. Gaspard Duthilleul, COO of Greyparrot, spoke about the rapid pace of technological advancement and how AI can provide more efficient solutions, while Ziad Akl-Chedid, Vice President of Products at Wasterobotic, focused on AI’s practical applications in robotics, stressing the need to demonstrate its benefits to stakeholders. The panel concluded that AI is revolutionising the sector by offering advanced, efficient solutions for waste management and operational challenges, efficiency, and addressing ethical concerns.

Directors of Voom Ltd, Nick Fellows and Stephen Hayes, took to the stage to dive deep into how they reimagined waste-collection analytics using AI. In the session titled, ‘Pioneering a New Age: Clearsight AI's Revolutionary Mapping of Waste Collections in Blackburn with Darwen’, they showcased how Clearsight AI provided unparalleled insights into waste collections compared to traditional methods. It offered the geolocation of every bin collected, without the need for additional hardware. The Roundbalance tool leveraged this data to help optimise waste collection rounds.

Over at the Material and Markets Stage, a panel session explored how AI is helping the UK's largest recovery facilities adapt to stricter regulations, titled: ‘Meeting increasing sampling requirements and enhancing MRF / PRF operations with AI-powered data solutions.’ Greyparrot’s Duthilleul, alongside Conor McCooey, CIO of Regen and Sam Reeve, CEO of Resource Futures, discussed how AI streamlines operations and addresses the growing demands of compliance reporting. With sampling requirements set to impact a wider range of facilities and materials from October, the panel session provided a timely opportunity to learn how AI can help stay ahead of evolving regulations.

Talking all things air

The successful debut of APC brought together speakers from EarthSense, The Global Action Plan, Envirosuite, and more. In the session, ‘The Air We Breathe Is All Our Business’, Nicki O'Malley, Director of Corporate Partnerships at The Global Action Plan outlined the organisation's vision and mission, emphasising that improving air quality is essential for both people and planetary health. By 2030, their goal is for people in urban areas to breathe clean air, addressing what they see as the biggest environmental threat to both human health and the environment. O'Malley pointed out the staggering impact of air pollution on public health, noting that it contributes to 6m sick days per year in the UK alone, totalling an economic cost of £20bn annually. This burden falls disproportionately on vulnerable populations, making air pollution not only an environmental issue but a social justice issue as well.

Rob Mowat, Managing Director of ESS Expo, shared his thoughts: “ESS Expo aims to bring together all sectors of the environmental services industry, with the show representing a different aspect and highlighting how they overlap and complement one another. We are thrilled to have welcomed a record number of attendees this year, many familiar faces, as well as hundreds of new ones. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated - after a collaborative and successful event, we hope you all share in the reassurance that we are moving toward a greener, more sustainable future.”

ESS Expo 2025 will take place from 10 – 11 September 2025 at NEC Birmingham, register your interest to attend here: https://www.ess-expo.co.uk/register-interest