REPIC’s 20th anniversary AGM at the iconic Kew Gardens on Tuesday 9th July was a day to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to the inevitable change ahead. 

Our Executive Chairman, Abs Bokhari opened the event with a reflection on key milestones achieved by REPIC on behalf of its members, highlighting the substantial role REPIC has played in shaping the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) landscape over the past two decades. 

He delivered an inspirational summary of the critical role that producers have had, and can continue to have, in delivering viable, sustainable, credible, and cost-effective environmental and circular economy solutions.  Abs emphasised the need for Government and policy makers to continue to build on the great work to date in their engagement with producers and industry.

Graeme Milne, Chief Executive, highlighted the many technical advancements and challenges that have been navigated by the REPIC team over the past 20 years and shared an impressive list of key milestone achievements over the past 12 months. Graeme went on to reiterate that REPIC serves as the Producers’ voice and a vehicle for their interests, and thanked members for their support.

The highlight of the event was our guest speaker, Gerd Leonard. Among the leading futurists and thought leaders in the world today, Leonard captivated the audience with insights into the future of computing, AI, new synthetic materials, the green economy and more insight into the future of electrical manufacturing. His talk on what to expect over the next 10 – 20 years painted a picture of the changes ahead, that would be greater and faster than the digital revolution. His vision for the future left the audience awed and inspired about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Completing the day, all attendees were then taken on a short guided tour of Kew Gardens. This provided a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the day’s surroundings, fostering a sense of connection and reflection amidst the historic landscapes.

Looking back over the past 20 years, REPIC and its members have made significant strides in dealing with end of life electricals. As we look forward to the next 20 years together, REPIC remains committed to continuing this journey with its members, adapting to new technologies and regulatory landscapes, as we continue to navigate and shape the future of the WEEE landscape and the transition to a more circular economy.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us at our AGM, and here’s to a future of continued innovation, collaboration, and progress.