Turning one company’s waste into another’s resources: Workshop for businesses coming to Milton Keynes
A workshop is coming to Milton Keynes later this month which aims to turn the waste of one company into resources for a fellow business.
International Synergies is holding a workshop about the process of industrial symbiosis and how it can help businesses at Unity Place later this month.
The company, which has been at the forefront of the circular economy for 20 years, has helped businesses across the UK, and is now aiming to expand its services into Milton Keynes.
International Synergies chief executive Dr Rachel Lombardi told the Citizen: “Manufacturing companies generate waste and industrial symbiosis is about thinking about waste in a clever and functional way.
“The process works because people can use resources if they are placed in front of the right person.
“It is about asking what industry process can find value in waste that companies would otherwise spend money throwing away, and changing the mindset that even if waste is not wanted it does not have to go to landfill.”
Dr Lombardi gave an example that “a baker has eggshells which they would consider waste, but eggshells have collagen lining, and collagen lining can be used in making facecream.”
Earlier this year International Synergies was one of five companies to receive funding from Milton Keynes City Council’s Green Business Fund.
The city council’s cabinet member for environment, waste and sustainability Jenny Wilson-Marklew said at the time that “the funding will play an important role in supporting the city’s long-term environmental ambitions.”
The project has also been highlighted to the newly-formed Milton Keynes City Climate Partnership, a council-led initiative which aims to strengthen climate and sustainability action across the city.
Dr Lombardi said: “The council funding allows us to give dedicated support to businesses in Milton Keynes and enables us to complete more company visits.”
International Synergies is holding a workshop entitled From Waste to Value: Unlock Opportunities Through Resource Sharing alongside the Milton Keynes Green Business Fund on Thursday October 29.
The workshop is being held at Unity Place on Grafton Gate in Milton Keynes from 4pm to 5.30pm, to be followed by networking at The Sky Lounge.
Places are available priced at £6 per business, and Dr Lombardi said: “We have had ten companies sign up so far and would like to hit 30 if we can.
“We want to get the message about industrial symbiosis out there and support businesses to make changes.
“If we can raise awareness then hopefully we can drive uptake and help organisations and the economy benefit.”