Vegware announces new managing director as founder steps down
Vegware has announced Helen Mathieson as its new managing director as the plant-based packaging manufacturer’s founder, Joe Frankel, steps down.
Ms Mathieson joined Edinburgh-based Vegware in 2018 as supply chain and operations director, overseeing all aspects of products from ideation and manufacture through to logistics and client services.
Originally from Yorkshire, she started her career in FMCG sales as an account manager at Nestlé and has previously worked as operations director at fashion brand Lyle and Scott.
On her appointment, she said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead Vegware in its next phase of growth.
“I have been lucky to spend a great four years working alongside the company’s founder Joe Frankel, and I’m proud to be taking over the reins of this global brand.
“We have a fantastic team, exceptionally strong client relationships and a lot of exciting innovations for 2023.”
Ecobat recruits two following £2m investment
Darlaston-based Ecobat Solutions UK has recruited two new employees at its electric vehicle battery diagnosis and disassembly facility, including the company’s first apprentice.
Scott Clarke, described by Ecobat as “a sports-loving family man from Aldridge”, joins the company as an electric vehicle engineer.
Hollie Evans from Wolverhampton joins as an electric vehicle battery apprentice. Ecobat says she will complement her engineering development with real-world experience in the company’s advanced battery recycling facility in the West Midlands.
Dr Simon Cupples, Ecobat’s managing director and vice-president of advanced battery solutions Europe, welcomed the pair to the company.
“They’re joining at a very exciting time as we expand our capacity,” he said. “Our fully integrated solution for EV batteries is what sets us apart, and our new colleagues will be playing their part in the delivery of this service to vehicle manufacturers across Europe.”
Ecobat says the pair were recruited following a rebrand and a more than £2 million investment in electric vehicle battery processing capabilities in the UK, where the company has more than 85 employees.
Ecobat’s Darlaston facility has processing capacity for up to 15,000 electric batteries annually, the company says, including end-of-life, damaged, defective and critical batteries.
Axil appoints head of sustainability and zero waste
Waste management solutions firm Axil Integrated Services has announced the appointment of Gina Rudkin as head of sustainability and zero waste.
Ms Rudkin becomes responsible for leading the company’s efforts to reduce its own environmental impact and drive sustainability initiatives across all aspects of its operations, as well as supporting Axil’s clients with initiatives of their own.
Ms Rudkin brings a wealth of experience to the role having worked in waste management for the past 25 years, Axil says. In 2021, Ms Rudkin was appointed a fellow of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), becoming the 36th female fellow since the organisation’s inception in 1898.
Ms Rudkin will also draw on her experience leading the waste training academy for ISS Facilities Services, Axil says.
Edward Pigg, Axil’s director, said he was thrilled to have Ms Rudkin join his team and lead on sustainability.
He added: “Now, more than ever, businesses need the support of their partners to provide actionable solutions to problems, mitigate risk and plan for a more sustainable future.
“Gina has the expertise and vision to help us, and our clients achieve our shared goals and make a real difference.”
ACE elects new president and vice president
The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE), the European platform for beverage carton manufacturers, has announced changes to its board following its general assembly on 24 November.
Eija Hietavuo, global head of corporate affairs at Tetra Pak, has been elected ACE’s president, replacing SIG Combibloc’s Marcelle Reichert.
Meanwhile, Henna Liirus, senior manager for sustainability at Stora Enso, has become vice president, replacing Håkan Pettersson from Billerud.
Annick Carpentier, ACE’s director general, said she was delighted to welcome Ms Hietavuo and Ms Liirus to the board.
“We will rely on their leadership, guidance and partnership as we highlight the beverage carton industry’s continued progress in delivering an essential packaging solution that is safe, circular, low carbon and recyclable,” she added.
“We would like to thank Ms Reichert and Mr Pettersson for their valuable contribution to ACE’s board.”
Ms Hietavuo and Ms Liirus have been elected for two-year terms, ACE says, with the possibility of a one-time re-election.
ACE’s board comprises five representatives from their members, who include Billerud, Elopak, SIG Combibloc, Stora Enso and Tetra Pak.
Don’t Waste Group UK appoints sales executive
Don’t Waste Group UK has announced the appointment of Tom Richardson as sales business account executive.
Mr Richardson joins Don’t Waste Group UK from FCC Environment and has also worked for Ellgia Recycling and in commercial and charity-based textile recycling.
At Don’t Waste Group UK, he will be responsible for new sales and procuring new contractors.
Michael Foreman, Don’t Waste Group UK’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to have Tom on board to support our growth.
“His knowledge and network will no doubt help us in developing the client base using our advanced waste management system, as well as our waste brokerage offering for commercial business, education and facilities management organisations.”
Don’t Waste Group UK provides business intelligence, site management and waste management services to the property, retail, commercial and hospitality industries.
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