In 2025 collaboration is more important than ever
Bethan Jones, Director at Resource Futures, calls for greater collaboration in the waste and resources sector to drive reuse, repair and recycling initiatives.
This year is pivotal for progress towards a regenerative future. The UK Government is gaining momentum with the introductions of Simpler Recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR), and a Circular Economy taskforce to enhance recycling and resource management.
Achieving this requires coordinated efforts from various actors. While the government sets the direction of travel, resource experts can influence behaviours and engage commercial and charitable partners to maximise success in rebalancing our resource use.
Tapping into corporate potential
Commercial organisations hold significant power to drive reuse, repair, and recycling. This can be through funding long-term sustainability initiatives, like Dulux’s 30-year support of Community RePaint, or through active participation in waste recovery and recycling programmes.
A notable example is Altro and Polyflor, two flooring manufacturers who, following a 2009 WRAP pilot project, set aside their rivalry to create the award-winning Recofloor scheme. They fund and support the collection and recycling of unused or discarded flooring, saving over 7,190 tonnes from waste and transforming a wasteful industry.
For two competitors to set aside the rivalry and tackle this waste stream, not just for their own benefit but for contractors, distributors, constructors and trades, is admirable.
Their collaboration benefits not just themselves but also contractors, distributors, constructors and trades, promoting sustainable and, eventually, regenerative practices in the construction industry.
Leading community action
Recognising that we can't do everything alone is crucial. As regenerative change experts, we must encourage and support others to collaborate for the good of people and the planet.
I attended an event earlier in the year where a hospitality organisation described bringing together competitors within the region to tackle supply chain issues. It was early days, but they had recognised that each of them was trying to source local produce and cut down on imports and transport.
Working collectively, they will have much more influence and can support local organisations to thrive; as resource experts, we can help to bring about change that much faster by providing the support needed to take meaningful action.
Playing a leading role in community change doesn’t mean dictating action to others; it requires being curious and ready to listen.
Successful projects often start by understanding the needs of all key stakeholders. This foundational research helps identify the most impactful initiatives and ideal partners for collaboration. Often, the action needed is not the one you expect.
Building a nationwide movement
How do we turn our individual action into a nationwide movement of change? We have always advocated that it is those on the ground – locally or within an industry – who have the knowledge, passion and connections to make regeneration-focused projects a success.
These stakeholders sometimes lack experience, support and funding, which is where resource experts can help. By sharing insights through webinars, events, social media, or facilitating initial discussions among potential collaborators, we can act as agents of change and make a regenerative future a reality.
We have more in common than what divides us – so let's make 2025 a pivotal year for the resources and waste industry by building the partnerships needed for success.
Key materials like food, textiles, mattresses, and packaging need collective action. Let's drive collaboration and make change happen for the benefit of people and the planet.
Bethan Jones is director of Resource Futures.