Our linear models of consumption where products are used and then treated as waste are not sustainable. Governments, communities and businesses around the world are now looking to build circular economies where products are designed to last and stay in use through rental, repair, remanufacture and ultimately recycling. With the EU exploring Sustainable Design concepts and a Circular Economy Bill under consideration in Scottish Government the future looks circular.  

In this webinar we explore the challenges going circular poses for managing chemicals in products. What lessons can we learn from the unintended consequences uncovered in latest chemical pollution research? How do endocrine disrupters from plastic and receipts end up on our fields? Why do banned flame retardants appear in food packaging and gannets? And how do forever chemicals PFAS get into compost? We’ll discuss policies and industry best practice that can prevent locking hazardous chemicals into endless cycles of exposure. As the circular economy gets rolling, join this webinar to find out how to make those circles safe.

Our speakers

Heather MacFarlane, Project Manager, Fidra

With a background in chemistry Heather has been working for science and environmental organisations for over 15 years. She has held policy, communication and education roles at the Royal Society of Chemistry, the University of Edinburgh, and in conservation charities around the world. Heather now works at Fidra, (www.fidra.org.uk) an environmental charity working with industry, governments and the public to deliver solutions to chemical and plastic pollution (Fidra is an SCIO and Scottish Registered Charity SC043895). Current projects at Fidra include minimising the burden chemicals such as bisphenols, PFAS and flame retardants place on our environment and addressing plastic pellet (nurdle) pollution. Heather is also a wildlife enthusiast and can often be spotted walking her dogs, swimming or birdwatching around East Lothian.