Robert (Bob) Lisney, who pioneered the 'Project Integra' project in Hampshire, has emerged as frontrunner for the post which became vacant at the end of 2009 when John Turner stepped down as chair (see letsrecycle.com story).
Mr Turner had a background in industry and was a chief executive of the packaging compliance scheme Valpak. In contrast, now, should Mr Lisney's appointment be confirmed by Defra, it is expected that local authorities will take the move as a positive sign that their input into decisions on packaging waste will be strengthened. However, Mr Lisney does not have has as much experience in the sector as his predecessor and will be expected to draw on his committee for advice.
There has long been a view within the local authority sector that more packaging waste money from PRNs might be passed to councils and this is expected to be discussed in the committee and to also be contained in the delayed Defra consultation on packaging. This had been due out in 2009 but is now not expected until next month.
Mr Lisney, 63, received an OBE in 2000 when he was head of management resources at Hampshire county council, which he joined in 1975, for his work in developing sustainable waste management. In 2005 he moved on from the county council to set up his own consultancy business, LRL, after a long and successful career in the public sector working as assistant director environment at Hampshire county council.
Members
Other new members of the committee are expected to be appointed at the same time as Mr Lisney. Members at the last meeting included: Steve Gough, chief executive of Valpak; Paul Smith of Coca Cola; Graeme Carus of EMR Ltd; Alasdair James of Tesco; Andy Doran of Novelis; Marcus Gover from WRAP; Geoff Butterworth of Paperpak; and, Paul Smith of Coca Cola.
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