• Thank you for being with us on this incredible journey! In this episode, we reflected on the transformative power of sustainability in lifting people out of poverty, celebrating the wins of 2024 and the impact of sustainable practices. We revisited highlights from our favourite episodes, like Rich Tricker’s invaluable insights on upskilling people for sustainability success and the importance of practical skills for leaders. Rich’s reminder that knowledge sharing should lead to real-world change resonated deeply with us, inspiring a commitment to fostering action through collaboration and empowering communities to create a ripple effect of positive change.

  This year has also been a personal journey, teaching us that sustainability is about turning knowledge into meaningful action. Tools like life cycle assessment (LCA) have helped us focus on what truly matters while staying connected to our passions. We’ve learned that small, purposeful steps can drive big impact, and we’ve been reminded of the importance of empowering people to create change. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re eager to invite more inspiring guests, spotlight the real-world impacts of climate change, and explore actionable solutions. We also aim to raise awareness about overlooked issues, showing how focused efforts can lead to meaningful progress.

  On a lighter note, we found joy in discovering gingerbread chocolate digestives—a festive treat that brought sweetness to the season! Now, we’d love to hear from you—what were your favourite episodes of 2024? What topics should we dive into next year? Your input means the world to us. Thank you for being part of this journey—together, let’s make 2025 a year of action, awareness, and progress!

In this episode of the People’s Planet Podcast, hosts Marcel and Usman chat with Ansu, a leading concrete technologist. Ansu discusses the evolving role of concrete in sustainable construction, focusing on reducing its carbon footprint and the importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Ansu explains the role of alternative materials like slag and fly ash, and addresses the energy-intensive nature of concrete production. She also highlights how EPDs offer transparency in the industry and details the process of creating them.

The conversation includes the application of circular economy principles to concrete and Ansu’s upcoming course on the subject from Cambridge. She shares insights on alkali-activated concrete and calcined clay (metakaolin), and discusses her dual role in academia and industry.

The episode concludes with a look at the future of concrete technology and sustainability, with Ansu emphasising the need for continued research. Listeners are encouraged to consider sustainable practices and stay tuned for future episodes on creating a more sustainable planet.

To connect, share thoughts, or suggest topics, email us at peoplesplanetpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Follow us, like the episode, and share—your support helps us move forward! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠

In this episode, we discussed sustainability in packging industry with Adam Jones, Managing Director of Lyan Packaging Supplies in North Wales, UK.

Adam Jones, an engineering graduate, has steered Lyan Packaging Supplies into a formidable force in temperature-controlled packaging. His leadership not only expanded the family business but also revolutionised its sustainability approach through their Icertech division.

Under Adam's guidance, Lyan Packaging Supplies has excelled in eco-friendly practices and pioneered recyclable, insulated packaging solutions. Their commitment to sustainability sets a benchmark in the industry.

Adam emphasizes the importance of adopting greener technologies across operations, showcasing how sustainability can drive innovation and business success.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Adam fosters a culture of innovation within his team, encouraging them to explore cutting-edge technologies to meet client needs effectively.

Adam actively engages with industry forums, sharing insights on sustainability and technological advancements. His contributions have cemented Lyan Packaging Supplies' reputation as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

Key Learnings from Adam's Journey:

1. Sustainability Drives Innovation: Adam shows us that integrating sustainability into business operations not only benefits the environment but also drives innovation and business growth.

2. Leadership in Action: Adam's leadership is a testament to how personal commitment to sustainability can transform a company and inspire industry-wide change.

3. Industry Engagement: By actively participating in industry discussions, Adam demonstrates the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in advancing sustainable practices.

As Adam continues to lead Lyan Packaging Supplies into the future, his dedication to sustainable growth and innovation serves as a beacon for others in the industry.

Connect with Us:

Share your thoughts or suggest topics by emailing us at peopleplanetpodcast@gmail.com or finding us on Twitter (@peoplesplanet_). Your support in following, liking, and sharing our episodes helps us move forward!

Hosts:

⁠⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠⁠

⁠⁠Simon Morris⁠⁠

⁠⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠⁠

Join us next time as we explore more stories of innovation and sustainability in business!