Bangor University teams up with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Bangor University, via its BioComposites Centre, has been accepted as a ‘network university’ by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity dedicated to promoting the idea of a ‘circular economy’.

Founded in 2010 by the record-breaking yachtswoman, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation sees our current industrial economy as being based on a ‘take, make and dispose’ model of production. A ‘circular economy’ is different as it produces no waste or pollution and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them whilst in use then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life. It seeks to establish ‘circular economy’ on the agenda of decision makers across business, government and academia.

In addition to its global partners such as Google, Nike and Unilever, the foundation also has a global network of universities. By showcasing relevant academic work globally, the Foundation aims to enable collaborative ventures and knowledge exchange across policy makers, business and academia outside of its formal programmes. Joining a select group of institutions, Bangor University’s BioComposites Centre will now share some its expertise in innovative business solutions with the Foundation, further cementing the University’s reputation as an international leader in the field of sustainability.

Dr Adam Charlton, Head of the BioComposites Centre, said:

‘This represents an exciting opportunity for Bangor University to engage and collaborate with this high profile charity and will showcase the industrial collaborative work carried out by the BioComposites Centre in the areas of waste minimisation, bio-based products including food packaging and the application of low carbon technologies.’

More information on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation can be found here.

Publication date: 26 July 2016