Unlocking Circular Economy Opportunities between the UK and Saudi Arabia
Join us for the Waste to Value Forum 2026, a one-day hybrid event bringing together academics, policymakers, investors and industry leaders from the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia to explore how waste streams can be transformed into economic and environmental value.
The Forum will take place on 15 May 2026 at Conference Aston, Aston University, Birmingham (UK) and forms part of the UK–Saudi Waste2Energy Initiative, supported under the Gulf Strategy Fund. The initiative is delivered through collaboration between Aston University, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN), with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
The event will begin with opening remarks and a keynote address, followed by a presentation introducing the project’s Waste-to-Value Market Intelligence and Policy Roadmap, highlighting insights from market assessments on biochar, plastics and municipal solid waste (MSW) value chains.
The Forum will be structured around three thematic sessions combining academic presentations, industry pitches and panel discussions designed to connect research, innovation and commercial deployment.
Session I – Biochar
This session will explore emerging technologies for converting biomass and organic waste into biochar and high-value carbon products. Academic presentations will examine production pathways such as pyrolysis and gasification, system integration and opportunities for scaling these technologies. Industry innovators will present commercial approaches for developing biochar markets, including applications in soil improvement and carbon markets. The session will conclude with a panel discussion on deployment challenges, policy support and investment opportunities.
Session II – Plastics Circular Economy
This session will focus on plastic waste recovery and advanced recycling technologies. Academic speakers will discuss current challenges in plastics management and emerging technological solutions, while industry representatives will present approaches for converting complex plastic waste streams into high-value materials through advanced recycling and polymer recovery. A panel discussion will explore how innovation, policy frameworks and investment can support the development of a circular plastics economy.
Session III – Waste-to-Energy Systems
The final session will address energy generation from waste and integrated waste management infrastructure. Academic presentations will examine innovative applications of recovered waste materials and emerging waste-to-energy technologies. Industry speakers will present large-scale solutions for converting waste into reliable low-carbon power while improving resource recovery and system efficiency. The session will conclude with a panel discussion on technology deployment, infrastructure development and opportunities for UK–Saudi collaboration. Programme Layout-Waste to Value…
Throughout the day, the Forum will include dedicated networking opportunities, enabling participants to explore collaboration pathways, discuss project ideas and identify next steps for research partnerships, pilot projects and investment opportunities.
Following the Forum, participants will have the opportunity to join a site visit to the Energy & Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University, providing insight into applied research facilities and pilot-scale capabilities supporting waste-to-value and bioenergy innovation. Programme Layout-Waste to Value…
Be part of shaping the future of sustainable waste management and circular economy innovation between the UK and Saudi Arabia.
This is a hybrid event, with the option to attend either in person at Aston University or online.
Register Here: Click here
