‘A circular economy isn’t just a choice’: Circularity Conference looks to shape the future of business
With environmental sustainability a top priority for today’s organisations, the Planet Ark Environmental Foundation is seeking to demystify the circular economy with the Circularity Conference 2023 taking place in Melbourne next month.
According to Nicole Garofano, PHD, AAIP, head of circular economy development at Planet Ark Environmental Foundation, by leveraging Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy (ACE) Hub, the conference will offer attendees all the resources they need to fully embrace circular models.
“The ACE Hub offers a range of knowledge products to assist in building confidence in what it means to transition to circular business models – but asking questions is the first step,” Garofano told Mumbrella.
“Worldwide, there is a resounding call for action that improves environmental outcomes and contributes to sustainable development. As consumers raise their voices and seek products and services that mirror their values, businesses stand at a critical crossroads. Organisations can help consumers understand their role to support a circular economy – a circular economy isn’t just a choice; it’s the solution for a sustainable future.”
2023’s conference is expected to build upon the work of its predecessor, ultimately providing realistic, actionable tips companies can use to better adopt circular models without falling into the greenwashing trap.
“Circularity 2022 was foundational and addressed the three integral pillars of the circular economy, which is essential. This year, we’re delving deeper – with implementation as the theme,” revealed Sofie Teh, product manager, Circularity.
“Streams will be focused on action, and audience members can expect to take away real practical steps for implementing circular practices within their organisations.”
The conference comes in the wake of a year where sustainability is a clear priority for media companies.
SBS made headlines earlier this month when it appointed a head of sustainability – the first of its kind at the organisation. Meanwhile, oOh!media made waves at its outfront just last week when it committed to becoming more environmentally conscious through its partnership with Greening Australia.
“Our organisation’s purpose is to make public spaces better, and that’s why we take sustainability so seriously,” oOh!media’s chief content, marketing and creative officer, Neil Ackland, told Mumbrella.
“We want to make sure that if we’re taking from the Earth, we’re giving back. It’s good for society, for our partners and actually, we think it’s good for business too.”
Apart from the conference, in an effort to further inspire its audience, the conference also features an awards ceremony – the 2023 ACE Awards – to celebrate the entities (both brands and individuals) actively working to introduce the circular economy to Australia.
While the event’s audience is expected to consist of professionals including academics, business leaders, sustainability experts and more, Planet Ark is also encouraging the general public to attend.
“I envision a future where circular models are adopted as business as usual and organisations are encouraged to think of products by functional use through many cycles rather than by product purchase and depreciation benefits,” said Garofano.
Circularity Conference 2023 will take place on 20-21 November, 2023 at the Grand Hyatt hotel in Melbourne.
Got a tip?
Matthew is the editorial assistant at Mumbrella. He previously worked for a marketing agency that focused on managed service providers and IT.
Linkedin
topics
Australian Circular Economy Hub
circular economy
Nicole Garafano
Planet Ark
Planet Ark Environmental Foundation
Sofie Teh
Have your say