Emery on board as Zero Waste chair

Vic Emery has been appointed as the first chair of Zero Waste Scotland following the organisation’s transition to a new corporate structure.

The resource efficiency body, responsible for leading the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Zero Waste Plan, was previously part of the UK-based Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP), but is now operating as a separate, Scottish-registered company.

Zero Waste Scotland seeks to maximise the efficient use of some of Scotland’s most valuable resources – materials, energy and water – to achieve economic and environmental benefit. It works in partnership with government and a wide range of public bodies, businesses and community organisations.

Emery is an industrialist and businessman, who is also currently chair of the Scottish Police Authority.

He said: “I’m delighted to be appointed the first chair of Zero Waste Scotland. This is an organisation with a hugely important mission - achieving more efficient or ‘circular’ use of resources is a must-do for the long-term health of our economy and our environment.

“I’m excited about the future, not least in working with an energetic staff team with some terrific achievements already under their belts. I will work with them to drive progress in Scotland on key issues such as resource efficiency, recycling, litter and the circular economy.”

Iain Gulland, director at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Vic Emery as Zero Waste Scotland’s first chair.

“I know that Vic will provide proven leadership skills, experience and expertise to take Zero Waste Scotland forward in the years to come. As an organisation we have a broader remit than ever before, ranging from recycling to energy efficiency and litter prevention, and having Vic on board will help us to build strong partnerships across the public and private sectors to help us meet our ambitious objectives.”