Research Spotlights news

Earlier this week, Warwick's Sustainability Spotlight, in collaboration with Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), Warwick Business School (WBS), and the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD), hosted a workshop titled "Manufacturing and the Circular Economy" at The Shard in London. The event convened leaders from industry, academia, business, and policy to explore practical solutions for sustainable manufacturing within a circular economy framework.

Key Highlights:

Interactive Dialogue: The workshop fostered open discussions and shared learning, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.

CE Toolkit: Attendees were introduced to Warwick's Circular Economy (CE) Toolkit, offering actionable strategies for immediate application in their organisations and communities.

Expert Insights: Dr. David Greenfield, a member of the UK Government’s Circular Economy Taskforce, delivered a keynote address, setting a solutions-focused tone for the day.

Industry Case Studies: Representatives from JLR and businesses like Thorlux Lighting showcased successful implementations of circular economy principles, including a Knowledge Transfer Partnership with WMG.

Four-Step Model: A practical model was introduced to embed circular thinking into supply chains, design processes, manufacturing operations, and end-of-life strategies, emphasizing repurposing and reuse.

Systems Thinking: The importance of people-centric design and trust-based partnerships was highlighted as essential for sustainable innovation.

Closing Remarks: The event concluded with a video message from Lord Teverson, emphasizing the critical need to embrace circular economy principles amidst global challenges.

Future Initiatives:

A toolkit based on the workshop's findings is in development and will be shared with attendees and broader networks. Additionally, policy briefs will be created to inform the Government's Circular Economy Taskforce. Plans are underway for the Warwick Sustainability Forum 2025 to further these discussions and expand collaborative opportunities.

For more information or to stay updated, contact: IDResearch@warwick.ac.uk or visit Warwick Sustainability SpotlightLink opens in a new window.