IOM3 to bring together leading figures on the circular economy
Important developments for circularity are coming down the line in the UK.
The Circular Economy Strategy, which aims to fulfil the government’s commitment to achieve a zero-waste economy for England, is currently expected to emerge in the next few months. Led by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the strategy will strive to implement a circular model to drive economic growth, bolster supply chain resilience, increase resource efficiency and accelerate decarbonisation. It will focus on six priority areas: agri-food, built environment, chemicals and plastics, textiles, transport, and electronic and electrical equipment. In September, Defra announced that this stage of stakeholder engagement is wrapping up and final conversations are being held with ministers in advance of the publication.
This is an important time of development and materials, minerals and mining professionals have the expertise needed to ensure a sustainable, secure and efficient transition. At IOM3, we draw on the knowledge and experience of our members across sectors to effectively influence change in the area of resource efficiency and circularity. Moreover, IOM3 CEO Dr Colin Church FIMMM sits on the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce, providing the opportunity to leverage our members’ perspectives in national policy discussions.
On 11 November, IOM3 will be bringing together leading figures from across the circular economy field to discuss how the UK can rethink the way resources are used, keep materials in circulation and design out waste.
This Changemakers in Conversation session will provide the opportunity to hear the latest strategy developments from Nature Minister and Defra circular economy lead Mary Creagh, as well as how key stakeholders are preparing to respond to the consultation. The panel, including Libby Peake, Senior Fellow and Head of Resource Policy at Green Alliance; Professor Mark Miodownik MBE FREng CEng HonFIMMM, Professor of Materials and Society at University College London; and Iain Gulland, Chief Executive of Zero Waste Scotland, will be sharing circular success stories as well as exploring the scientific, technological and social challenges and opportunities in shifting towards greater circularity.
This event is part of Materials, Minerals and Mining for People, Places, Planet (M3P3), the new flagship event hosted by IOM3 on 11-12 November at Millenium Point, Birmingham. This is a great opportunity to learn more about what is happening in the circular economy space, connect with colleagues in the field and push the conversation forward.
Dr Colin Church CEnv FIMMM, CEO of IOM3, said:
‘M3P3 is about more than technical discussion. It is about exploring sustainable solutions and how we can use materials more responsibly. By bringing together our community, we are creating a space where people can connect, collaborate and influence what comes next.’
11-12 November 2025 | Millenium Point, Birmingham: iom3.info/m3p3
If you are interested in getting involved in IOM3 activity on the circular economy and would like to be kept up to date on relevant opportunities, reach out to Policy Research Fellow Aoife Burke at aoife.burke@iom3.org.