With concerns about the environment and sustainability high on the consumer agenda it is important that businesses are able demonstrate and communicate the actions they are taking. The HTA Sustainability Matters conference, which takes place on Tuesday 30 April 2019 at Horticulture House in Oxfordshire, seeks to address this and provides an overview of consumer insight, inspiration and discussion about sustainability in horticulture.
The one-day event, chaired by George Bullivant of Garden Forum, includes speakers from the British Retail Consortium, RECOUP and Hubbub along with panel sessions and case studies from across the industry. Topics on the agenda include: consumer attitudes, creating a sustainable business, plastics in horticulture, community-based initiatives and garden centre actions.
Further programme details include:
Consumer Insight – How sustainable should you be?
David Denny, HTA Marketing and Insights Manager and Laura Jeffery, HTA Marketing Executive provide an introduction into the current climate for ‘being sustainable’ and the opportunity for businesses of engaging with consumers and the local community.
Retail Sustainability – What are your business options?
Leah Riley Brown, Sustainability Policy Adviser, British Retail Consortium will look at the options currently available for British retailers who want to achieve a more sustainable business as well as cross-industry initiatives that also affect growers and landscapers.
The Plastic Packaging Recycling Journey
Stuart Foster, CEO of recycling charity RECOUP (RECycling Of Used Plastics Ltd), will look at the plastic packaging recycling journey from design to re-manufacture. He will cover practicalities around eco-design, collections, recycling, consumer engagement and legislation, providing examples relevant to the horticulture sector.
There will be a cross industry panel session on plastics which will continue the discussions around industry initiatives including the introduction of the 100% recyclable taupe pot.
Panellists confirmed so far include HTA Policy Executive Sally Cullimore, Nick Mathias from Floramedia, Shaun Herdsman from Modiform and grower and retailer representatives.
Trewin Restorick, CEO, from environmental charity Hubbub will talk about different community sustainability initiatives that he has been involved helping to inspire businesses to do the same.
Colin Jones from Carr Farm Garden Centre on The Wirral will provide examples of the ways in which they are making their business more sustainable. So far they have installed 6 biomass heaters, recycle all their cardboard and are also looking into harnessing storm water to re-use for plant watering.
Places are limited and so book now to avoid disappointment - £99 +VAT for members and £125+VAT for non-members. Book your place at www.hta.org.uk/events or email events@hta.org.uk.