Businesses across the West Midlands can now access free support to identify practical ways to reuse materials, reduce waste and improve resource efficiency.
Delivered on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority, the network connects organisations to share materials such as metals, sand and wastewater by-products. By finding new uses for these resources, businesses can save costs, reduce carbon emissions and create new opportunities for growth.
Supporting more efficient use of resources
Building on more than 20 years of industrial symbiosis activity in the region, the WMRRN programme is delivered by International Synergies Ltd (ISL). The service focuses on helping businesses manage priority waste streams, including wastewater sludge, sand and metals, by identifying reuse opportunities across different sectors. By connecting organisations that can use each other’s materials, the programme supports a more circular approach to resources. This can help businesses reduce disposal costs, improve efficiency and strengthen supply chains while contributing to wider sustainability goals.
Practical opportunities for businesses
The network works directly with companies to identify reuse solutions that deliver measurable benefits. These can include:
- Reducing waste sent to landfill
- Replacing virgin raw materials with reused alternatives
- Lowering carbon emissions across operations
- Generating cost savings and new revenue streamsg.
Delivering impact across the region
Through the programme, businesses have successfully diverted thousands of tonnes of material into productive use. This has resulted in:
- Significant reductions in carbon emissions
- Lower material and disposal costs
- Improved resource efficiency across supply chains
Businesses have achieved substantial annual savings while also reducing reliance on new raw materials and supporting more sustainable production methods.
Creating social value
Alongside environmental and commercial benefits, the network also supports social value by working with community organisations and social enterprises. Materials such as pallets, plastics, IT equipment and office furniture have been redirected into community use, helping to extend their lifecycle while supporting local initiatives. This approach ensures that even smaller volumes of materials can deliver positive impact, benefiting both businesses and communities.
Supporting a circular economy in the West Midlands
The West Midlands Resource Reuse Network plays a key role in supporting the region’s transition to a circular economy. By helping businesses collaborate and make better use of existing resources, the programme is contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and competitive business environment.
Businesses interested in reducing waste or exploring new resource opportunities can find out more and get involved through the WMRRN programme.