Renew Hub receives Royal visit as SUEZ hosts launch of Circularity in Practice initiative
Most businesses want to do the right thing when it comes to their impact on the environment, yet despite many examples of good practice, the circular management of goods and materials is still too often considered late in the process, instead of from the outset. It’s an afterthought rather than a reflex. From building materials to light fittings and furniture, the majority of items businesses discard are suitable to be reused, refurbished, remanufactured, or recycled.
As a champion of re-use and repair and a founding member of the initiative, SUEZ hosted the launch event at the Renew Hub in Greater Manchester, operated on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). Renew exemplifies what can be achieved when a business puts re-use at the forefront of its thinking, having sold almost half a million items through the network in Greater Manchester since 2021 and donating £1.6million raised through those sales to good causes.
His Majesty King Charles III visited the hub as part of the event to launch the initiative, which is inspired by his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, and toured the facility with John Scanlon, EVP UK for SUEZ. The tour included pods where household items are refurbished, repaired and upcycled for future use, and where His Majesty The King took time to talk to SUEZ’s volunteers, apprentices and partners about their role in making all sorts of household items go around the local economy at least one more time.
The launch was attended by 150+ business leaders who have since signed up to the Circularity in Practice pledge to further their own sustainable practices by embracing re-use, remanufacturing and recycling. Examples of good practice showcased on the day included innovative 3D printing technology that uses waste materials to manufacture everyday items; and an office space made entirely from recycled, re-used and refurbished materials, from utility pipes to ceiling tiles and office furniture.
John Scanlon, Executive Vice President UK, SUEZ said: “It’s been an absolute privilege to show His Majesty King Charles III our groundbreaking operation here in Trafford Park. Driving resource efficiency to preserve Earth’s finite, natural resources is a core mission for SUEZ and a huge passion for me personally. Our throw away, linear economy is unsustainable and the debate is now over as to why we need to increase the circularity of materials, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to discuss how we are addressing this challenge with His Majesty The King.”
The potential for businesses to think differently is huge. Research published by SUEZ last year, showed a 24% increase in the number of people willing to buy second-hand compared to the year before, with under-35s twice as likely to buy second-hand than over-55s. This has driven a real time increase in the number of re-use shops operated by SUEZ, which sat at 33 in February 2025 and this year will finish at more than 50 across the UK. Many SUEZ re-use operations now also offer minor repair services and upskilling and training opportunities for apprentices and the local community.