Delivering two Innovate UK iX challenges with a key client in South Wales
Key client in South Wales
Delivering pioneering AI-powered projects including CCTV monitoring and digital waste mapping with our forward-looking client.
Circulogic has delivered two Innovate UK iX challenges in partnership with a forward-looking client in South Wales. The projects apply cutting-edge AI technology to real-world waste management challenges.
The projects include AI-powered CCTV monitoring to improve operational efficiency and compliance, and digital waste mapping to provide granular, data-driven insight into waste flows and opportunities for improvement.
Circulogic identified the funding opportunity and helped write a specification for the challenges. We are now looking to commercialise the solutions.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Challenge scoping
Working with the client to define the innovation challenges, identify the most promising AI-powered approaches and structure the Innovate UK iX applications.
- 2
AI-powered CCTV monitoring
Developing and deploying AI-driven CCTV monitoring solutions to improve operational oversight, compliance and efficiency at the client's facilities.
- 3
Digital waste mapping
Creating detailed digital maps of waste flows using AI-powered data capture and analysis tools, providing the client with actionable insight to drive service improvement and resource efficiency.
- 4
Evaluation and learning
Assessing the outcomes of both innovation challenges, capturing learning points and identifying opportunities to scale the most effective approaches across the client's operations.
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Schools food waste collection service design
Cheshire West Recycling (CWR)
Scoping a food waste collection service for schools in Cheshire West and Chester.
Circulogic was engaged to support the scoping of the schools food waste service at the end of 2024, drawing on our expertise in commercial food waste collections and assessing uptake and performance across many schools, most recently in Wales.
This was a great example of a data-driven project, drawing on local operational data combined with Circulogic's schools food waste collection parameters to create a blueprint for the service.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Creation of a demand plan
A database of schools with their estimated food waste collection needs (bin numbers) based on the school type and pupil numbers.
- 2
Estimation of the additional collection workload
Time and weight calculations based on the school type and location, i.e. its proximity to adjacent food waste collection points.
- 3
Assessment of spare capacity
Analysis of spare capacity within CWR's existing food waste collection rounds, assessed in terms of time and weight by collection day and zone.
- 4
Financial analysis
Ensuring the additional costs of undertaking food waste collections from schools are adequately covered by the proposed charges. Through creation of a bespoke cost model it was possible to demonstrate the service is able to operate with financial independence, representing a key requirement for internal approval to proceed.
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Circulogic Carbon Reduction Plan (issue 1)
Circulogic
Circulogic publishes its first Carbon Reduction Plan - May 2025.
The Carbon Reduction Plan sets out Circulogic's current carbon footprint and the steps we are taking to reduce our emissions year on year. As a consultancy working in the circular economy and sustainability space, we recognise the importance of leading by example.
The plan covers our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and outlines our commitment to continuous improvement in our environmental performance, with a target of achieving net zero by 2050 at the latest.
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Progress Junior Golf podcast — sustainability in golf
Progress Junior Golf
Geoff Sampson speaks with Steve Jackson from Progress Junior Golf about sustainability in golf and the role the circular economy can play in the sport.
Geoff Sampson was delighted to be part of the panel for one of Progress Junior Golf's monthly podcasts (click to watch). Aired on 13th March 2025 this podcast is dedicated to sustainability in golf, covering a wide range of topics including Recycling and the Circular Economy (explaining how these two things are not the same); Greenwashing (what it is and how businesses use 'green' claims to influence customers) and how junior golf (with a focus on equipment) fits into all of this.
The podcast forms part of a broader collaboration with Progress Junior Golf, drawing on Circulogic's experience running the garage2green golf club take back pilot and linked development of repurposed golf products through EcoWOW.
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Calculating the carbon benefits of golf club reuse
golfclubs4cash
Working with leading UK golf retailer golfclubs4cash to estimate the carbon benefits of reusing golf clubs, with savings in excess of 3,300 tCO2e estimated over a 9-month period.
Circulogic developed a carbon calculation methodology to quantify the environmental benefits of buying and selling second-hand golf clubs rather than purchasing new equipment.
The analysis drew on sales data from golfclubs4cash and applied carbon factors for new golf club manufacture to estimate the avoided emissions from reuse activity over the study period. The results demonstrate the significant carbon savings that can be achieved through the circular economy in the sporting goods sector.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Carbon methodology development
Designing a robust, transparent methodology for calculating the carbon savings associated with golf club reuse, drawing on published carbon factors for new equipment manufacture and materials composition data.
- 2
Sales data analysis
Processing nine months of transaction data from golfclubs4cash to establish the volume and type of clubs sold as second-hand, providing the activity data underpinning the carbon calculation.
- 3
Carbon savings estimation
Applying the methodology to the sales data to produce a total carbon saving figure, with results broken down by product category to highlight where the greatest environmental benefits are achieved.
- 4
Reporting and communication
Producing a clear, accessible summary of findings suitable for use in marketing communications, stakeholder engagement and future reporting, with guidance on how the methodology can be updated as the business grows.
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Circulogic leads innovative feasibility study on 'tech for reuse'
Innovate UK — Sustainable Innovation Fund
Circulogic, working with partners in software development and the Third Sector, delivered this 3-month R&D project as part of the Innovate UK Sustainable Innovation Fund — exploring AI-powered image recognition to speed up identification of a used product's reuse potential.
Innovate UK, as part of UK Research and Innovation, is investing up to £191 million to fund single and collaborative research and development projects as part of the Sustainable Innovation Fund. The aim of these competitions is to help all sectors of the UK rebuild after the effects of COVID-19. Circulogic was successful in scoping and applying for this R&D competition, the focus of which is addressing the challenge associated with speeding up the process of identifying a used product's reuse potential (and market value), through the application of AI-powered image recognition, and associated platform integration. The research assessed the technical performance of a range of image recognition technologies, the application of secondary product tracking and developed a platform proposal with 'matchmaking' capabilities for preloved consumer goods - using charity shops as 'drop, click & collect' hubs. The research was underpinned by evidence defining the carbon and social benefits of reuse, as a central pillar of the Circular Economy.
Innovate UK Executive Chair Dr Ian Campbell said: “In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency but one that impacts society and the economy. The Tech for Reuse project, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of hard-working people.”
Key stages of the work
- 1
Technology assessment
Evaluating the technical performance of a range of AI-powered image recognition technologies against the specific challenge of identifying used consumer goods and assessing their reuse potential and market value.
- 2
Secondary product tracking
Researching and developing approaches to tracking preloved products through the reuse supply chain, enabling provenance, condition history and market value to be captured and communicated.
- 3
Platform concept development
Designing a platform proposal with 'matchmaking' capabilities for preloved consumer goods, using charity shops as 'drop, click & collect' hubs to bridge the gap between donors and buyers.
- 4
Carbon and social impact evidence
Building the evidence base for the carbon and social benefits of reuse, providing a compelling case for investment in tech-enabled reuse infrastructure as a central pillar of the circular economy.
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Circulogic completes SMART Cheshire Innovation Programme (2020)
SMART Cheshire
The SMART Cheshire Innovation Programme helped Circulogic refine its Circular Economy product and service proposition. This was an engaging and thought-provoking programme, highly recommended for any business looking to innovate.
The programme brought together businesses from across the Cheshire region to share ideas and challenge conventional thinking, with expert facilitation helping participants develop and stress-test their propositions.
Participation strengthened Circulogic's service offering and reinforced the value of collaborative innovation in driving sustainable business practices.
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LA trade waste reviews across Wales
Multiple Welsh Local Authorities
Local authorities across Wales are rising to the challenge of achieving some of the world's most ambitious recycling targets. Circulogic has delivered a suite of projects helping councils transform their trade waste services, making them recycling-led, efficient and resilient to competitive threats.
Circulogic worked with Blaenau Gwent, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Denbighshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Wrexham to review and improve their trade waste services.
Each review assessed the current service model, pricing structure, vehicle utilisation and recycling performance, producing a set of recommendations tailored to each authority's circumstances and ambitions.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Service model review
Assessing each authority's current trade waste service model, including the range of containers and collection frequencies offered, the customer base served and the competitive landscape in the local area.
- 2
Pricing and financial analysis
Reviewing the pricing structure for trade waste services to ensure charges are competitive, cover the full cost of service delivery and provide an appropriate contribution to overheads.
- 3
Recycling performance assessment
Evaluating the recycling content of trade waste services, identifying opportunities to increase the proportion of materials collected for recycling and to align services with Welsh Government recycling targets.
- 4
Recommendations and implementation support
Producing a tailored set of recommendations for each authority, covering service design, pricing, marketing and operational improvements, with support for implementation planning where required.
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Waste collection options appraisal
Multiple Local Authorities including Worcestershire, Plymouth and Burnley
Experience in waste collection and related logistics from the delivery of well over 100 options appraisal projects — reviewing service models, costs and environmental performance to inform future procurement decisions.
Circulogic has built an extensive track record in waste collection options appraisal, working with local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to evaluate alternative service models and identify the most cost-effective and environmentally sound approaches.
Each appraisal draws on our proprietary cost modelling tools and benchmarking data to provide robust, evidence-based recommendations that stand up to scrutiny.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Baseline assessment
Establishing a clear picture of the current service, including collection rounds, vehicle fleet, staffing, costs and recycling performance, to provide a robust baseline against which options can be compared.
- 2
Options development
Working with the client to develop a range of realistic service options, covering different collection frequencies, container types, co-mingling versus source separation, and vehicle configurations.
- 3
Cost modelling
Applying Circulogic's proprietary cost modelling tools to estimate the full cost of each option, including capital, revenue and disposal costs, with sensitivity analysis to test key assumptions.
- 4
Appraisal and recommendation
Scoring each option against agreed criteria covering cost, environmental performance, operational deliverability and resident experience, and producing a clear recommendation to inform the procurement decision.
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Methodology to support WRAP's analysis of national recycling cost implications
WRAP
Project undertaken in support of WRAP's work assessing the contribution that businesses in the municipal sector can make to national recycling targets, developing a robust methodology for cost modelling.
Circulogic developed a cost modelling methodology to help WRAP understand the financial implications of businesses achieving higher recycling rates, providing a framework that could be applied consistently across different sectors and geographies.
The methodology was designed to be transparent and replicable, enabling WRAP to update the analysis as new data becomes available and to communicate findings clearly to policy makers.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Scope definition
Agreeing the scope of the cost modelling exercise with WRAP, including the sectors and business types to be covered, the cost components to be included and the level of geographic disaggregation required.
- 2
Data collection and review
Gathering and reviewing existing cost data from local authorities, waste contractors and published benchmarking sources to inform the development of robust unit cost assumptions.
- 3
Methodology development
Designing a transparent, replicable methodology for estimating the cost implications of businesses achieving higher recycling rates, with clear documentation of assumptions and data sources.
- 4
Scenario modelling and reporting
Applying the methodology to a range of scenarios to illustrate the cost implications of different recycling rate trajectories, and producing a report suitable for use in WRAP's policy engagement with central and local government.
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Reviewing pilot projects under the Framework for Greater Consistency
WRAP
A review of seven pilot projects delivered by WRAP with local authority partnerships across England, producing conclusions and learning points to inform WRAP's programme of work on the Framework for Greater Consistency in household recycling.
Circulogic reviewed pilot projects in Cambridgeshire, Cumbria, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, SE London, Staffordshire and Suffolk, assessing the outcomes of each pilot against the objectives of the Framework for Greater Consistency.
The review produced a set of cross-cutting conclusions and practical learning points to help WRAP and local authorities refine their approach to implementing the framework across England.
Key stages of the work
- 1
Pilot documentation review
Reviewing the documentation produced by each of the seven pilot projects, including project plans, progress reports and final outputs, to establish a clear picture of what each pilot set out to achieve and what was delivered.
- 2
Stakeholder interviews
Conducting structured interviews with project leads and key stakeholders from each pilot authority to gather qualitative evidence on implementation experience, barriers encountered and lessons learned.
- 3
Performance assessment
Assessing the outcomes of each pilot against the objectives of the Framework for Greater Consistency, including changes in recycling rates, contamination levels, resident participation and operational costs.
- 4
Cross-cutting conclusions and recommendations
Synthesising findings across all seven pilots to identify common themes, critical success factors and practical learning points, producing a set of recommendations to inform WRAP's ongoing programme of work on the framework.
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We deliver larger projects by working with a trusted network of associates. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss collaboration opportunities.
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