The UK waste and resources sector is undergoing transformation. With packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) now live, deposit return schemes on the horizon, and circular economy principles embedded in ministerial portfolios, the industry is at an inflection point. These reforms may add up to billions of investment over the next decade.
The challenge extends beyond policy implementation. Creating economically viable circular systems requires catalysing infrastructure investment, driving behaviour change among citizens and businesses, upgrading existing processes to support closed-loop recycling, and embedding reuse and repair at scale. Success demands full-system thinking combined with operational delivery – a rare combination of skills that warrant recognition.
It’s in this context that the Resource Hot100 looks to shine a light on the tremendous work going on to achieve this. Now in its 21st year, our annual poll aims to identify people who are driving progress across this diverse landscape – from policy architects and operational leaders to innovators and communicators who translate complexity for wider audiences.
The 2025 Resource Hot100
This year's poll attracted tremendous engagement, with over 13,000 votes cast. The results reflect growing recognition of the circular economy's importance and the breadth of talent required to deliver it.
Esther Carter, recently appointed Chief Strategy Officer at PackUK, has been voted this year’s winner of the Hot100. This follows the launch of the organisation to manage packaging EPR.
"I'm truly honoured, and honestly a little shocked," Carter said. "There are so many inspiring leaders on this list that I look up to; I was delighted to even be nominated amongst them, let alone winning."
Joining her in the top 10 of this year’s list is a mix of new faces and established industry. It features people noted for communicating ideas - alongside Talking Rubbish podcast hosts James Piper and Robbie Staniforth, the top 10 includes Kayleigh Lee-Simion creator of the Circular Digest and Keep Britain Tidy’s Anna Scott.
Also voted to the top of this year’s list are technical specialists from WRAP, Jordan Girling and Adam Herriot and industry leaders, Suez’s Stuart Hayward-Higham and CIRQLR CEO David Palmer-Jones.
Marcus Brew, Managing Director at UNTHA UK, the lead sponsor of this year's award commented: "The Resource Hot 100 is something that UNTHA has sponsored again in 2025 as it truly highlights the amazing talent across the industry.
"It puts a spotlight on the wonderful individuals who drive change and share their incredible knowledge across the waste and resources sector. Every single person on that list is deserving of the recognition - well done to you all!
A special mention to the overall winner – Esther Carter, chief strategy officer at PackUK - for her dedication to both people and the planet. A well deserved win!“
Category winners recognised
This year’s Hot100 includes three categories recognising specific areas of impact across the sector. Tom Szaky, CEO and founder of TerraCycle and Loop, claims Innovator of the Year, sponsored by Salvation Army Trading Company, for his work developing recycling solutions for previously unprocessable materials and establishing reuse systems now operating in 345 French stores.
Mitchell Platt, founder and Chief Packing Officer of YoYo Grocery, was named Refill Reuse Pioneer, sponsored by Refill Return, for developing what the company describes as the world's first HDPE flexible packaging system for groceries, achieving a 94 per cent packaging return rate.
James Piper, co-host of the Talking Rubbish podcast and co-owner of Ecosurety, wins Communicator of the Year, sponsored by GreyParrot, for making complex recycling information accessible to both industry professionals and the general public.
Esther Carter: From international impact to UK transformation
Carter's place at the top of the Hot 100 reflects a career trajectory that has taken her from data analytics for Tesco to sustainability projects for McKinsey & Company to hands-on systems change in Indonesia, Argentina, and Brazil. As Global Director of Programmes at Delterra, she led the organisation's flagship "Rethinking Recycling" programme, achieving recycling rates of 60 to 80 per cent in resource-constrained environments.
"Delterra is an environmental non-profit, working in the global South to build more circular waste systems and behaviours," Carter explains. "We partnered with government, businesses and local communities – running behaviour change campaigns, optimising MRF performance and advising on regulation. It was systems change at its most hands-on."
Her international experience taught lessons directly applicable to the UK context. "Whilst the context in the countries I worked across may have been different to the UK, the core problems are strikingly similar: creating an economically viable model, catalysing investment in infrastructure and changing citizen behaviour to name but a few," she says.
Carter brings this systems-thinking approach to PackUK as shifts to live operations. The organisation officially launched in January 2025 as the scheme administrator for packaging EPR, responsible for setting fee rates, collecting fees from obligated producers, and making payments to local authorities to cover the cost of managing household packaging waste.
The appointment to PackUK's Chief Strategy Officer role marked Carter's return to the UK full-time after years working internationally. She joins CEO Jeremy Blake in leading the implementation of reforms expected to reshape the UK's approach to sustainable packaging.
"I was immediately drawn to the Chief Strategy Officer role from the moment I read the job description," Carter reflects. "It's a huge opportunity to help design a system that not only reduces packaging waste, but also builds long-term resilience, stimulates innovation and investment, and drives public engagement."
Carter identifies clear priorities for the transition to a circular economy. "I believe the UK already has a lot of the right priorities, it's about bringing them to life and making them happen," she states. "Firstly, introducing EPR will be a significant milestone and one that will pave the way to incentivising greater circularity and more effective collection systems.
Secondly, reforming the PRN system to support domestic reprocessing. And thirdly, I am excited about policy changes that will drive greater reuse and repair in the system, as recycling is only the tip of the iceberg for a more circular economy."
Keen to recognise the work already done to establish PackUK in its early stages, she says: "It would be remiss not to thank last year's winner [of the Resource Hot100], Margaret Bates for everything she has done to get PackUK up and running, as Jez Blake and I step into new roles to take the work forward."
Industry Trends and Future Challenges
This year's Resource Hot100 highlights the breadth of expertise driving the UK's transition to a circular economy. Spanning policy development, operational excellence, and innovation across the entire waste and resources value chain, the list demonstrates the diverse skills and talent essential to advancing sustainability.
As the waste and resources sector continues its transformation, the Resource Hot 100 aims to throw a spotlight onto of those leading the UK towards a more sustainable, circular future.
The complete list appears below, each entry accompanied by a selected comment from those who nominated them. Congratulations to everyone featured on this year's list.
Thank you to our Resource Hot 100 2025 sponsor, Untha, for helping us celebrate the outstanding contributions being made across the sector this year.
Key
This year's position Last year's position
NE - Completely new entry to the Hot 100
RE - Re-entry that didn't rank in 2024
Esther Carter
Job title: Chief Strategy Officer
Company: PackUK
"Excellent understanding of the complex challenges in the waste industry and holistic view of solutions"
James Piper
Job title: Founder
Company: Co-owner, Ecosurety
"James inspires so many people not only across the industry but the general public too, thanks to the Rubbish Book and the Talking Rubbish podcast. A legend!"
Mitchell Platt
Job title: Founder
Company: Yoyo Grocery
"Well thought out business model with a personal quality you don't get elsewhere. Always looking at ways to reduce his company's plastic footprint."
Jordan Girling
Job title: Head of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Company: WRAP
"He genuinely cares about the impact that products and processes have on the environment and climate. He works hard to do his part to tackle the climate crisis."
Robbie Staniforth
Job title: Innovation and Policy Director
Company: Ecosurety
"Robbie manages to bring a sophisticated grip on the technical and policy elements of sustainability to new audiences in an accessible, engaging approach that puts the human at the heart of the issue."
Adam Herriott
Job title: Senior Specialist
Company: WRAP
"Adam is a super brain when it comes to all things packaging! His wit and ability to challenge a status quo make him an industry super hero."
Kayleigh Lee-Simion
Job title: Lead - Plastics & Circular Economy
Company: CDP
"Kayleigh is an outstanding source of knowledge about all things Circular Economy, and is always happy to share this knowledge and help build the capacity of others!"
David Palmer-Jones OBE
Job title: CEO
Company: CIRQLR Group
"David is an inspirational leader with a clear vision of the circular economy."
Stuart Hayward-Higham
Job title: Chief Technical Development and Innovation Officer
Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
"He works non-stop to make positive change for the waste sector and we would be lost without his expertise."
Anna Scott
Job title: Director of Services
Company: Keep Britain Tidy
"Anna is absolutely dedicated to the waste reduction agenda - a real powerhouse!"
Anna Willetts
Job title: Partner, Gunner Cooke, and past president of the CIWM
Company: Partner, Gunner Cooke, and past president of the CIWM
"Anna is a byword for commitment and determination- an inspirational person and consummate professional"
Tom Szaky
Job title: CEO and Founder
Company: TerraCycle
"Transforming how we think about some of the most difficult waste problems - a true pioneer!"
Carla Brian
Job title: Head of Partnerships
Company: Biffa
"A real driver in the UK waste management industry, and a passion for driving business growth. She also helped launch a dedicated 'Women In Waste' group to help tackle the barriers women face in the workplace."
Andy Rees
Job title: Head of Waste Strategy
Company: Welsh Government
"Courage of his conviction based on evidence not dogma. Showing that if you want to do it and persist, it CAN be done and you can take people with you if you are brave enough."
Jarno Stet
Job title: Waste & Recycling Manager
Company: City of Westminster
"A fount of knowledge - his commitment to NAWDO has helped so many local authorities up and down the country."
Scott Butler
Job title: Executive Director
Company: Material Focus
"He really knows his subject and has been really consistent in championing all kinds of electrical recycling when the Government don't always want to think about it!"
Graeme Milne
Job title: Chief Executive
Company: Ecogenesys
"Graeme does a great job but perhaps most importanty he inspires change in others."
Margaret Bates
Job title: Interim Head of the Scheme Administrator
Company: Defra
"Because she’s amazing! Done an incredible job with packaging EPR."
David Greenfield
Job title: 2025/26 President
Company: CIWM
"David has been a champion of the circular economy for many years and has done so much to further the cause"
Laura Fernandez
Job title: Senior Sustainability Manager
Company: Ocado Retail Ltd
"Laura is relentless in her drive to make a difference. She never gives up in persuading all stakeholders to continue to strive to do the right thing. She is an asset the industry"
Connor Bryant
Job title: CoFounder & CEO
Company: Rubbish Ideas
"Passionate about solving rubbish crisis and a kind and eco conscious business visionary."
Jim Armitage
Job title: Head of Procurement
Company: Valpak Limited
"Demonstrates leadership in sustainability, delivering measurable impact through innovation and best practice."
Catherine Conway
Job title: Director & Reuse Lead
Company: GoUnpackaged
"A pioneering voice in zero waste and reuse, Catherine has spent over 25 years driving systemic change towards a circular economy"
Nicola Jones
Job title: Sustainability & Circularity Lead
Company: Tata Steel UK
"Hard working and passionate about her industry, makes huge contribution"
Vicki Hughes
Job title: Senior Vice President for CIWM
Company: Managing Director at McPhee Associates
"Vicki has been at the forefront of wood recycling since the 90s - a role model leader in resource management."
Michelle Carvell
Job title: COO
Company: Lorax EPI
"Her dedication, vision, and relentless drive are making a tremendous impact in the environmental compliance sector."
Adam Read
Job title: Chief Sustainability External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, and past president of the CIWM
Company: Chief Sustainability External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, and past president of the CIWM
"Still joining dots for systemic change. Still the go-to for green skills! "
Tom Fiennes
Job title: Sustainability Director
Company: Carlsberg Britvic
"Championing sustainable packaging innovation in the drinks industry"
Louise Robertson
Job title: Founder
Company: Sustainables Academy
"Brilliant resource through the sustainables academy"
Emma Bourne
Job title: Director - Circular Economy
Company: Defra
"Steering the UK’s circular economy journey with unwavering commitment"
Joe Papineschi
Job title: Chairperson
Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting
"Has a vision of radical systemic shift in some core industries stuck in a linear model"
Dr Tracey Leghorn
Job title: Chief Business Services Officer
Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
"Phenomenal leader and advocate. Dedicated, tenacious, determined, compassionate"
Bill Swan
Job title: Managing Director
Company: Recorra
"Devoted to mitigating climate change, and environmental destruction through real recycling."
Mary Creagh MP
Job title: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature) - with responsibility for Circular Economy
Company: Defra
"Minister who actually cares and knows what she's talking about!"
Kat Lees
Job title: Direct / Co Founder - Resources and Waste Consultant
Company: KaNect Limited
"Hardworking professional, always willing to give time and find solutions"
Iain Gulland
Job title: Chief Executive
Company: Zero Waste Scotland
"Shaped how Scotland does circular economy - real impact and lasting influence"
Dominic Hogg
Job title: Director
Company: Equanimator
"Continually pushing the boundaries of waste policy with visionary thinking"
Niamh McBride
Job title: Local Authority and Environmental Partnerships Manager
Company: Material Focus
"Encouraging to see such a young person taking a lead on these issues"
John Scanlon
Job title: CEO
Company: SUEZ recycling and recovery UK
"Consistently working at forefront, pushing industry and regulators to be better"
Jen Vanderhoven
Job title: COO
Company: BBIA
"Jen has become the champion of the bio-based economy, supporting emerging technologies and educating about the value of 'waste' resources."
Michael Topham
Job title: Chief Executive
Company: Biffa
"Most innovative, passionate leader of a top 100 brand company"
Tim Hobbs
Job title: CEO
Company: Bartec Municipal Technologies
"Passion and commitment inspiring, maintained fresh and progressive perspective"
Chris Baker
Job title: Reuse and Circular Economy Specialist
Company: Chris Baker Consulting
"Broad knowledge of the refill and reusable packaging sector having worked with innovators offering solutions"
Ray Georgeson
Job title: Head of Policy
Company: Zero Waste Scotland
"Ray is always at the forefront of key issues in both Scotland and beyond and never fails to share his enthusiasm"
Martin Hyde
Job title: Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager
Company: Alupro
"First class, passionate driver improving recyclability through education"
Gillian Garside-Wight
Job title: Director of Consultancy
Company: Aura Consultants
"Exceptional dedicated career focussing on packaging and sustainability and a knowledgeable and supportive peer"
Michael Pye
Job title: Sustainability Manager - EPR Service Lead
Company: McGrady Clarke Ltd
"Ability to explain complex things in simple terms and his customer focus"
Charlotte Davies
Job title: Senior Consultant for Resource Efficiency and Circularity
Company: Beyondly
"Charlotte is extremely knowledgeable on all things resource efficiency and circular economy. She's a sustainability queen."
Libby Peake
Job title: Head of Resource Policy
Company: Green Alliance
"An influential voice on resource policy, unafraid to champion bold change"
Clyde Loakes MBE
Job title: Chair of North London Waste Authority and Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council
Company: -
"Inspirational dedication to community, passionate advocate for climate action"
Sam Taylor
Job title: Waste and Recycling Manager
Company: St Nicks
"Dedicated to the job and an inspiration to others"
Paul East
Job title: Head of Packaging Recycling and Design
Company: RECOUP
"Knowledge and experience crucial for RAM development and European policies"
Gary Moore
Job title: Sales director
Company: UNTHA UK
"Relentless in his quest to drive not only Untha UK but entire industry forward"
Emma Tilbrook
Job title: Managing Consultant
Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd
"Putting service quality and efficiency at the heart of her LA work"
Connor Gorman
Job title: RCP Sourcing Manager
Company: Shotton Mill Ltd
"Young and up and coming executive in the industry"
Dr Darren Perrin
Job title: Partner
Company: Kearney
"Technical prowess and inspiring leadership makes him a transformative force in the global sustainability movement."
Roger Wright
Job title: Waste Strategy & Packaging Manager
Company: Biffa
"Not afraid to have own opinion, pragmatic - knowledgeable and well connected"
Jane Stewart
Job title: Independent Director and Chair
Company: Independent Director and Chair
"Thought leader, recognised nationally as leading innovator in recycling"
Gareth Morton
Job title: Discovery Manager
Company: Ecosurety
"His commitment to making the Earth a better home is deeply inspirational"
Sophie Walker
Job title: CEO and Co-Founder
Company: Dsposal
"She's doing absolutely incredible things that hardly anyone knows about"
Peter Jones
Job title: Principal Consultant
Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting
"The things he doesn’t know aren’t worth knowing! A true intellectual powerhouse"
Kristina Bull
Job title: Partner
Company: QSA PARTNERS LLP
"Leading fundamental change towards a circular fashion industry"
Sarah Poulter
Job title: CEO
Company: CIWM
"Inspiring and empowering waste professionals to achieve a world beyond waste"
Will Ghali
Job title: CEO
Company: Ecosurety
"Passionate and likes to share his knowledge. He is a great leader"
Kevin Vyse
Job title: Head of Technical Fibre
Company: ProAmpac
"Great command of the issues related to flexible packaging."
Emily Rogers
Job title: CEO & Founder.
Company: Reath
"Done some amazing work in the packaging sustainability space - pushing things forward in reuse/refill"
Callum Muscroft
Job title: Senior Customer Relationship Manager
Company: Lorax EPI
"Exceptional EPR compliance expertise"
Jenny Robinson FCIWM
Job title: Recycling Partner
Company: Zero Waste Scotland
"Brilliant and dedicated, spent working career making waste management better!"
Dr Jane Beasley
Job title: Director of Operations
Company: Zero Waste Scotland
"Exceptional leadership and vision, setting benchmark for others in the sector"
Hannah Osman
Job title: National Cup Recycling Manager
Company: Valpak Limited
"Revolutionising cup recycling - innovative pilot boosting cup returns"
Lynn Perks
Job title: Senior Customer Relationship Manager
Company: Lorax EPI
"Guiding producers through EPR complexities with expertise and dedication"
Claire Shrewsbury
Job title: Director of Insights and Innovation
Company: WRAP
"Harnessing data and innovation to help industries cut waste and boost recycling"
Simone Aplin
Job title: Director
Company: Ceres Waste, Renewables & Environment
"Always goes the extra mile for her clients"
Alice Harlock
Job title: Director of Technical and Member Services
Company: OPRL
"Outstanding service with great recyclable knowledge - nothing too much trouble"
Sophie Livingstone MBE
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Little Village
"Socially driven initiative making excellent contribution to reducing waste"
Annis Mapleston
Job title: Senior Environmental Compliance Consultant
Company: Lorax EPI
"Bringing fresh energy and meticulous attention to environmental compliance"
John Twitchen
Job title: Founder
Company: Stuff4Life / env23
"He has the energy and dedicated commitment alongside the vision to make change."
Gordon Fergus
Job title: Director
Company: Vervus
"Amazing sharing his knowledge with our charity to help us grow and develop"
Christine McRitchie
Job title: Managing Director
Company: Earthwise Girls
"Genuinely passionate about sustainable period care, always willing to help"
Richard Delooze
Job title: Managing Director
Company: WasteBot
"What he's done with WasteBot is nothing short of game-changing"
Alex Hilton
Job title: Head of RAM
Company: PackUK
"Alex is a whirlwind in all things RAM and developing/interpreting the regulations."
Robin Denson
Job title: Head of Supply Chain
Company: Mitie
"Exceptional team manager and puts clients first"
David Garrett
Job title: Head of Knowledge Transfer
Company: Garden Organic
"Enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable about composting - admirably driven!"
Grant Scott
Job title: General Manager I&C
Company: SUEZ UK R&R
"No-one is more driven to ensure that anything can be achieved if everyone gives it their all."
Jon Hastings
Job title: Head of Strategy and Development
Company: East London Waste Authority
"Works tirelessly as vocal and well-informed champion for local authorities"
Tom Passmore
Job title: CIO and Co-Founder
Company: Dsposal Ltd
"Dedicated and talented data guru - creativity makes him a rare gem"
Michael Cook
Job title: Chief Executive Officer
Company: Circular Communities Scotland
"Passion for environmental and social justice making impact at every level"
Debbie Fletcher
Job title: Director – Climate
Company: Local Partnerships
"Driving ambitious climate action across local government"
Wayne Hubbard
Job title: Chief Operating Officer
Company: ReLondon
"Leveraging decades of experience to make London a circular economy leader"
Gwen Frost
Job title: Director
Company: Resource Futures
"20 years of passion and enthusiasm - only increased with experience"
Michael Taylor
Job title: Managing Director
Company: Mitie
"Stands for excellence in everything he does"
Dimitra Rappou
Job title: Executive Director- Sustainable Products
Company: Confederation of Paper Industries
"Dedicated and taking down barriers to progress!"
Bethan Jones
Job title: Director
Company: Resource Futures
"Translating research into action to accelerate the circular economy"
Jonathan Attwood
Job title: Head of Technical and Quality
Company: IPL BRIGHTGREEN
"So helpful helping with packaging design to maximise recyclability"
Mikela Druckman
Job title: Founder and CEO
Company: Greyparrot AI
"Revolutionising recycling through AI-driven innovation"
Jacob Hayler
Job title: Executive Director
Company: ESA
"A pragmatic industry voice ensuring waste policy balances environmental and economic needs"
Hannah Jordan
Job title: Chief Operations Officer
Company: Reuse Network
"Brimming with reuse knowledge and forging partnerships to give products a second life"
Neil Arlett
Job title: Head of Engineering
Company: Biffa Waste Services Ltd
"Goes above and beyond with initiative, resilience and continuous improvement"
Joshua Chadwick
Job title: Account Manager
Company: Cromwell Polythene
"Kind, funny, genuine - it is an absolute pleasure working with him"
Sarah Ottaway
Job title: Sustainability and Social Value Lead
Company: SUEZ
"Leads by example promoting social value and sustainability"
