Sebastian Munden, Chair of the global board of trustees for the climate action NGO WRAP, has been awarded a CBE in the King’s New Year Honours.
Munden, who is also Chair of the advertising industry’s climate action programme Ad Net Zero, was honoured for services to Business and the Circular Economy.
Sebastian Munden said: “This is an incredible honour. I’d like to pay tribute to my former colleagues at Unilever for over three decades of developing new products together, without whose inspiring partnership none of this would have been possible.”
“And to my current colleagues at WRAP and Ad Net Zero, working with businesses to make the circular economy an everyday reality across many different sectors.”
Munden is the independent Chair of the advisory steering group for Pack UK – the scheme administrator for UK household packaging recycling (Extended Producer Responsibility).
The group, which represents industry sectors, all home nations, and local authorities, has been giving wide-ranging input to Pack UK during the set-up of the scheme.
Before becoming Chair of WRAP and Ad Net Zero, Munden worked for over 30 years in consumer products. He was also chief executive of Unilever UK & Ireland for five years until 2022, and before this, as head of Unilever’s global marketing operations.
He has also served on policy and steering groups for The Food & Drink Federation, The Institute of Grocery Distribution, The Inclusive Economy Partnership run by the Cabinet Office, and Movement to Work, and chaired a policy review on the Future of the Local Economy for the British Chambers of Commerce.
Catherine David, CEO of WRAP, commented: “Sebastian has been instrumental in reshaping how businesses think and act, helping move the circular economy from the margins to the mainstream and demonstrating how business, government and industry can work together to deliver meaningful change at scale.”
“I’m thrilled to see Sebastian recognised for his outstanding contributions, including his leadership as Chair of WRAP, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside him in turning bold ideas into lasting change.”
As Chair, WRAP says Munden has helped the organisation establish WRAP Americas, WRAP EU and a more global way of working.
Commenting on the award, Munden said: “It’s also recognition for all those in the grocery industry working to create a better packaging system, and for the practical contribution of businesses alongside national and local governments in the way change is implemented.”
“It’s a joy to work alongside so many people who want to innovate a better future that’s also better business, with the circular economy growing in value much faster than the economy as a whole.”