News updates written by CIWM’s commercial partners.
| Beyondly | Beyondly’s Events: 2025 Round-Up |
| Vision Techniques | Vision Techniques spread festive cheer with gift donation to local hospital |
| Alfred H Knight | Behind the scenes: How representative sampling and analysis strengthens RDF quality |
| Epic Media | EPIC Media Group strengthens leadership support as Kevin Murton continues in extended role alongside General Manager, Nicola Welfare |
| VEV Services | Fast start to 2026: rethinking net zero waste collection |
| CRJ Services | CRJ Services has successfully retained its Investors in People Silver accreditation |
Beyondly | Beyondly’s Events: 2025 Round-Up
In this article, our Policy & Public Affairs Advisor, Michael Jennings, reflects on the busy events season we’ve had at Beyondly in 2025, sharing a glimpse of each of our key events up and down the UK.
It’s been a whirlwind end to the year here at Beyondly, especially for myself in my new role as Policy & Public Affairs Advisor under Alex Hilton as our Director of Policy & Public Affairs, fresh from PackUK! So, let’s dive into what Beyondly has been up to since the summer.
UK Packaging Expo, 3-4 September 2025, Manchester
The first event of the season was UK Packaging Expo. In my first live speaking engagement in my new role, I presented the challenges and opportunities of the developing pEPR legislation with a focus on the then upcoming RAM roadmap and disposal fees. It was a great event to start the season and lovely to check in with our members and their suppliers, and enjoy a surprise catch up with Defra who dropped by to say hello, too!
Resource & Waste Management (RWM) Expo, 17-18 September 2025, Birmingham
Thank you to everyone who came to see us at the Resource & Waste Management (RWM) Expo, and to those who commented on our bright yellow stand at RS-C112! With nine members of the team in attendance, this was a great opportunity to connect with suppliers, friends in the industry and other compliance schemes, and in government. This was an especially enjoyable event for Catherine Guy, our Relationship Manager, as it was a great opportunity catch up with some of our key members in attendance. Our very own Charlotte Davies, Senior Consultant for Resource Efficiency & Circularity, also attended in her capacity as CIWM Early Careers President, leading an insightful speaker session on Careers with Impact: Navigating the Environmental and Resource Sector.
RECOUP Awards & Conference, 24-25 September 2025, Peterborough
Continuing the journey south, we were back at, and sponsoring, the RECOUP Awards and Conference. This was a fantastic event to connect with organisations demonstrating excellence in the plastic industry at the awards dinner, listen to engaging talks and debates, and speak to PackUK and retailers on the effects of pEPR now that the dust is starting to settle.
Recycling Expo, 7-8 October 2025, London
We made the most of our time in London this October, beginning with the Recycling Expo: Driving the Circular Conversation Across the Entire Value Chain. Alex led an engaging talk on the development and creation of the RAM during his time at PackUK, and shared his thoughts on the Circular Economy Growth Plan and alignment with the EU packaging regulations (PPWR), bringing all his insights from government through to the ‘real world’. Also, Chris Smith, our Lead Consultant for Resource Efficiency and Circularity, made an appearance moderating the ‘Delivering a Circular Economy in Practice’ panel.
London Packaging Week, 15-16 October 2025, London
The following week we were at London Packaging Week with yet another large yellow stand and two incredible close-up magicians (returning on the back of excellent feedback at Packaging Innovations in February 2025). My personal highlights were speaking to some of my previous members when I was in the Beyondly Packaging Team, catching up with contacts at Defra/EA, and getting deep into pEPR queries from companies who are still trying to navigate the complexities of the new regulations.
Sustainability in Drinks, 21 October 2025, London
Back down in London after the weekend, we attended Sustainability in Drinks: a renowned international showcase for all areas of the drinks trade. It was a great event highlighting companies on both the waste and agronomy/farming side of sustainability, along with lots of very delicious organic wine! This was the perfect event to meet up with our members in the wine and drinks industries and discuss the difficulties and sticking points with pEPR. There were lots of interesting and thought-provoking conversations on the back of my workshop, delivered alongside Robin Thompson, CEO of Encirc, on managing and improving the impact of glass in the supply chain.
The EPR Conference/E-Commerce, Packaging & Labelling Expo, 12-13 November 2025, London
It was a busy start to November with The EPR Conference on the 12 and the E-Commerce Packaging & Labelling Expo on the 12/13. Jessica Aldersley, our Managing Director, represented us at the Expo alongside Catherine Guy, Relationship Manager, and Lindsay Swinson, Data Services Manager. Alex also made another appearance to lead an insightful speaker session to unpack the evolving environmental landscape across, not only packaging EPR, but also ESG compliance, that is shaping e-commerce business strategies.
B Corp UK Birthday Party, 13 November 2025, Leeds
While back in the North at the Northern Monk Refectory in Leeds, we attended the B Corp UK Birthday Party with the Yorkshire and Humber B Local group and Take 10, to celebrate 10 years of B Corp with both leading and aspiring companies. Did you know we have recently recertified as a B Corp? You can find out more in our news story here.
Beyondly Circle Member Day, 27 November 2025, Birmingham
To close off the season, a great mix of faces from our Packaging Team and beyond held our latest Beyondly Circle Member Day at luxury B Corp venue Eighteen, to bring together our members from the area for education, discussion, and relationship building. The day was a great success with lots of pEPR, RAM, and Sustainability updates and back and forth dialogue (which you just don’t get from a webinar), and we are looking at hosting more regional events in the future.
Other Notable Events
- FDF Awards, 11 September 2025, London: Alex was joined by Commercial Director, Oksana to celebrate those leading the way in the food and drink industry.
- Packaging Federation Council Meeting, 17 September 2025, London: Alex introduced himself to the industry and talked about moving from Defra to the compliance sector.
- LARAC Conference, 8-9 October 2025, Birmingham: Beyondly was nominated for ‘Best Communication Campaign’ with Preston City Council on the Pledge2Recycle campaign delivered with RECOUP.
- Walpole British Luxury Awards, 10 November 2025, London: Following the announcement of our partnership with Walpole, this was a great way to connect with Walpole’s members on the effects of packaging compliance and other sustainability challenges that are driving businesses.
Looking ahead, we are already planning out our 2026 events calendar, and I’m personally excited to catch up with members and industry contacts at the Packaging Innovations Expo in Birmingham in February.
To stay up to date with our 2026 events calendar, sign up to our Environmental Newsletter – click here! By sharing insights, education, and opinions from our Beyondly and industry experts, we want to empower you with the confidence to go beyond compliance and positively impact society and the environment.
Vision Techniques | Vision Techniques spread festive cheer with gift donation to local hospital
Being in hospital at any time of year is difficult, but spending Christmas there can be especially challenging. To help spread some festive cheer and give back to the local community, Vision Techniques has donated a wide range of gifts to the East Lancashire Hospitals Trust Charity, ELHT & Me, ensuring both adults and children in hospital had something special to open on Christmas Day.
With the aim of helping as many people as possible enjoy the festive season, the vehicle safety and security specialists selected a variety of thoughtful presents for patients of all ages.
Finance Director Sarah Wood and Marketing Manager Chloe Wilson personally chose the gifts before delivering them to Royal Blackburn Hospital on 17 December.
The donation included a wide selection of items for children, women and men, such as toiletries, pyjamas, books, colouring supplies, stickers, slippers and other comforting treats, helping to bring moments of joy to those spending Christmas in hospital.
Sarah said: “We know it is tough to be in hospital at any time of the year, being without your family at Christmas time is even harder.”
“So we wanted to give a little back to our local community and donate some gifts.
“It won’t make Christmas better and it won’t make the people better but hopefully it will make them few people smile.”
“Vision Techniques is all about giving back to the community and we hope you all have a lovely Christmas.”
Vision Techniques hopes the donation brightened the festive season for patients and made a positive difference within the local community.
Alfred H Knight | Behind the scenes: How representative sampling and analysis strengthens RDF quality
In the summer of 2025, one of Alfred H Knight’s (AHK) clients, Powerday, visited its state-of-the-art sample preparation facility in Dundonald, Scotland.
During the visit, Powerday saw how robust sample preparation and laboratory workflows translate into trustworthy results. Tailored sampling plans, consistent handling, and clear laboratory processes provide a strong foundation for accurate RDF analysis and improved insights across operations.
RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) quality is only as credible as the sampling behind it. As waste streams become more complex and compliance expectations continue to rise, representative sampling and sample preparation are becoming increasingly important for waste managers, MRF operators and EfW suppliers to ensure data insights are accurate and meaningful.
This becomes even more significant in light of the upcoming changes to the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) between 2026 and 2028. With new expectations around monitoring and evidencing emissions, accurate RDF analysis will become essential, offering insight needed to demonstrate compliance and support proactive emissions management.
Watch the full video here to see the full process.
Through representative sampling and UKAS-accredited RDF analysis, Alfred H Knight helps waste operators build reliable analytical datasets for their alternative fuels.
Sector-wide benefits:
- Confidence in RDF quality backed by representative data.
- Stronger evidence for customers and regulators.
- A clearer understanding of process performance and material flows.
- Customer assurance supported by transparent, verifiable results.
- Compliance aligned with current ISO/CEN standards.
If you’re looking for expert support for your waste, recycling, or MRF operation, get in touch via Alfred H Knight’s contact page to see how the team can help.
EPIC Media Group | EPIC Media Group strengthens leadership support as Kevin Murton continues in extended role alongside General Manager, Nicola Welfare
EPIC Media Group has confirmed that Senior Business Advisor, Kevin Murton, will continue supporting the company, bringing his experience to help EPIC further develop its position in the market.
Kevin will work hand in hand with General Manager, Nicola (Nic) Welfare — appointed in 2025 — and the rest of the team, ensuring leadership continuity while supporting ongoing operational and commercial development.
Nic said: “I’m very grateful to continue working closely with Kevin. His knowledge of the business and the industry is invaluable, and I’m looking forward to building on that experience as we continue developing EPIC. We have a strong team and a clear direction, and I’m proud of the progress we’re making together.”
Kevin commented: “I’m pleased to continue supporting EPIC at this stage of its journey. The team has achieved a great deal, and there is still plenty of opportunity ahead. Working alongside Nic and the wider EPIC team is a pleasure, and I’m confident the business is on a strong path for the future.”
Executive Chairman, Hadrien Salin, added: “Kevin’s continued support is extremely valuable for EPIC. His experience brings stability and momentum as the business develops its position in the market. Nic has demonstrated strong leadership since becoming General Manager in 2024, and this partnership reinforces our confidence in the direction of the company and the team.”
EPIC emphasised that this approach supports stability for customers, employees and partners while ensuring strong momentum for the business as it continues to grow across the UK market.
VEV Services | Fast start to 2026: rethinking net zero waste collection
As net zero targets draw closer across the waste sector, many organisations are taking stock. While commitments are well established, delivery remains challenging, particularly for fleets that underpin day-to-day service delivery.
Waste collection vehicles are among the most demanding assets to decarbonise. They are heavy, operate on tight schedules, follow stop-start routes, and return to depots at predictable times that often coincide with peak electricity demand. Combined with constrained grid capacity, rising energy costs and pressure on local authority budgets, it’s clear that electrifying waste fleets is not a simple vehicle replacement exercise.
To make a fast start to 2026, the sector needs to think differently.
The challenge isn’t waste, it’s systems
Net zero waste collection is often framed as a technology problem: which electric vehicles to buy, when to replace diesel, and how quickly manufacturers can scale supply. In practice, the bigger challenge is systems integration.
Fleet electrification touches vehicles, charging infrastructure, depot power capacity, route planning, driver behaviour and cost models, all at once. Treating these elements in isolation leads to delays, over-specification and unnecessary cost. Managing them as a single system unlocks progress.
In many parts of the UK and Europe, operators cannot rely on rapid grid upgrades to support electrification timelines. By developing electrification strategies sooner, rather than later, grid upgrade costs can be managed, and alternative energy solutions can be installed in a cost effective and scalable way.
Better for people, better for planet
Encouragingly, real-world data shows that net zero waste collection is achievable today when approached holistically. Live pilots of electric refuse collection vehicles demonstrate that electric vehicles can match, and in some cases outperform, diesel equivalents on reliability, driver experience and environmental impact.
Beyond tailpipe emissions, electric waste fleets deliver quieter operations, improved air quality and a more comfortable working environment for drivers and crews. Importantly, these benefits are realised immediately, not at some future tipping point.
Operational trials also show that concerns around range and reliability can be addressed through data-led route selection, realistic duty cycle modelling and driver engagement from day one. In short, electrification works when it is designed around how waste services actually operate.
Three shifts waste fleets need to make now
As the sector accelerates into 2026, three practical shifts can help turn ambition into action.
- From vehicles to operations
Successful electrification starts with understanding routes, payloads, auxiliary loads and daily patterns, not just vehicle specifications. Over-specifying batteries ‘just in case’ increases cost and complexity. Using operational data to match vehicles to routes allows fleets to electrify sooner and more confidently. - From charging points to energy strategy
Charging infrastructure should not be planned in isolation. Smart charging, load management, on-site generation and energy storage can dramatically increase the number of vehicles charged within existing grid limits. With electricity prices often highest when vehicles return to depot, intelligent scheduling becomes a powerful tool to reduce both cost and carbon. - From pilots to scalable rollouts
Pilots are most valuable when they are designed as learning tools, not one-off demonstrations. Phased rollouts informed by real-world data allow operators to build internal capability, bring drivers and depot teams along the journey, and optimise performance before scaling.
Why this matters now
Waste fleets account for a significant proportion of local authority emissions, making them one of the fastest routes to visible carbon reduction. Early movers gain more than emissions savings: they build operational knowledge, improve cost certainty and demonstrate tangible progress to communities they serve.
With the right planning and an integrated approach, it is possible to reduce emissions while maintaining, and even improving, service delivery.
For waste operators seeking to accelerate their plans, insights from real-world electric waste collection pilots are already available, providing a clear picture of what works, what doesn’t, and how to move faster while being better for the planet.
CRJ Services | CRJ Services has successfully retained its Investors in People Silver accreditation
Internationally recognised, this accreditation reflects CRJ’s ongoing dedication to demonstrating good leadership, support, and continually investing in their people, because great people deliver great service. As CRJ continues to grow, improve, and refine how it works, customers benefit from a stronger, motivated team.
In addition to retaining their silver status, CRJ Services has been recognised by IIP as an ‘emerging Gold’ business, having achieved Gold-level standards in several areas. Achieving the IIP Silver demonstrates that CRJ is not just a company that talks about good people management; it actively implements it, creating a workplace where employees are proud to work.
