At the heart of this panel is the REA’s new Circular Sustainable Cities & Towns Briefing, setting out practical recommendations for creating more sustainable and resource-efficient urban areas.

• With Estelle Herszenhorn as chair of our expert panel, featured speakers include:
• Jenny Grant with more than 23 years of experience in the organic waste sector, works with composting and AD businesses, Government & regulators to develop & implement best practices for the recycling of food and garden waste as well as the application of organic materials to land.
• Dr Adam Read MBE, a leading resource and waste policy expert with more than 30 years’ experience across academia, local government and industry, helping shape the UK’s transition to a more circular economy.
• Pauline Metiver is a circular economy expert with over 10 years’ experience driving the sustainability agenda in the public and private sectors. She is currently ReLondon’s director for partnerships and external affairs.

Panellists will explore:

• How food systems can strengthen local economies, minimise waste, and support sustainable production, redistribution, and nutrient recycling.

• Building integrated food partnerships that connect businesses, community organisations, producers, waste managers, and residents to reduce waste and increase food redistribution.

• Maximising the impact of England’s new food waste collection reforms through behaviour change programmes that help households reduce waste, save money, and participate in more circular food systems.

• How unavoidable food waste can be transformed into renewable biogas and sustainable biofertiliser.

With 25% of UK food wasted while millions experience food insecurity, circular food systems offer an opportunity to tackle multiple challenges at once – reducing waste, improving access to affordable food, supporting local economic growth, and cutting emissions.

Drawing on examples from London and across the UK, the panel will provide practical insights for businesses, planners, local authorities, and policymakers looking to embed circularity into local food systems and deliver tangible benefits for communities.

If you have any issues booking, please email Megan.