How RSS is supporting circular economy innovation in South Wales

NZIW

Net Zero Industry Wales spoke to Lucy Hoggins, Director of Resilience Sustainable Solutions (RSS), about its project with WEPA UK to explore innovative, sustainable packaging options.

Lucy launched the business in 2014; she talked to us about the project’s aims and ambitions, and what funding might be available for other businesses looking to undertake their own circular economy trials.

Can you tell us about the project you are working on with WEPA?
RSS is supporting WEPA to explore sustainable packaging solutions. Together, we are developing a full value chain trial to evaluate circular packaging models.

We helped WEPA secure Phase 1 SMART FIS innovation funding to assess project feasibility, mobilise value chain stakeholders and prepare an innovation plan. This enabled us to lay the groundwork for a Phase 2 SMART FIS application to carry out a full R&D innovation trial.

What experience does RSS bring to the project?
RSS is a sustainability consultancy built on over 25 years’ experience working across of range of sectors to embed sustainability principles, including running cross-sector innovation collaborations to accelerate circular economy initiatives.

We can also bring experience from previous successful circular economy projects, including working with major household brands on product and packaging circularity. This experience is being applied to ensure the current project delivers meaningful and scalable impact.

RSS brings a wealth of sustainability and innovation project management experience including climate strategy and reporting, and ESG programme development which is aligned with international standards.

What are the main goals of the project?
The aims of the project are to:

  • Reduce the carbon footprint and cost of packaging materials
  • Increase the use of difficult-to-recycle post-consumer LDPE plastic while maintaining quality
  • Ensure consistent packaging quality from both consumer and production standpoints
  • Drive demand for hard-to-recycle materials to support mechanical recycling infrastructure
  • Explore the feasibility of circularity across the entire value chain using incentivisation and tracking technology

What kind of approach is the project taking?
The project is taking a whole-systems approach and speaking with all stakeholders across the value chain — including raw material suppliers, packaging and product manufacturers and converters (WEPA), customers, brand owners, and consumers.

This sort of collaboration is essential to building a viable and sustained circular economy model.

What will the R&D trial focus on?
The trial will evaluate environmental and cost impacts across 10 key areas. It will explore innovative, reusable packaging designs, assess clear versus non-clear packaging for recyclability, and test non-clear recycled plastics in real-world use.

We will also examine the impact of recycled content on manufacturing efficiency and the potential shift to paper-based packaging.

We plan to use market trends and competitor strategies to guide innovation, and circular systems will test packaging traceability using tracking technology.

Finally, a phased roadmap will outline a strategic approach to sustainable packaging.

Is there funding available for other Welsh businesses?
Yes — both SMART FIS and Circular Economy Innovation Funding are available through Welsh Government for Welsh businesses looking to innovate, including on sustainability and circular economy models.

How can businesses get involved or seek support from RSS?
We are always happy to help.

I’d encourage businesses that are interested in applying for innovation funding, running a circular economy project, or developing their sustainability and climate resilience plans to get in touch.

Find out more about RSS here.

Or contact: Lucy Hoggins — Director, Resilience Sustainable Solutions