Desso(R) Participates in Circular Economy Debate at World Economic Forum's 'Summer Davos' in China

AsiaNet 54198

WAALWIJK, The Netherlands, Sept. 9/PRN=KYODO JBN/ --

    Desso, a leading global carpets, carpet tiles and sports pitches company is

participating in discussions on the transition to the circular economy at the

'Summer Davos' meeting held in Dalian, the People's Republic of China,

organised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) during 11-13 September.

    It is the seventh World Economic Forum meeting held in China since the

'Summer Davos' was launched. The Chinese 'Summer Davos' now is a regular annual

feature alongside the European annual summit organised by the World Economic

Forum in Davos, Switzerland at the beginning of every year.

    This year the delegates will be discussing the benefits and challenges of

making the transition to the circular economy - considered increasingly by many

experts as a more sustainable and restorative economic model suited to the 21st

century.

    The Annual Meeting of the New Champions was developed by the World Economic

Forum to build on its successful annual meeting in Davos and extend the global

discussion among business and political leaders to one of the fastest growing

economic regions in the world. It is today the foremost global business

gathering in Asia. It creates a unique opportunity for discussion between

leaders from top-ranked multinationals and CEO's of dynamic and fast-growing

companies, including key decision-makers from government, media, academia and

civil society.

    The World Economic Forum is an independent international organisation

committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business, political,

academic and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry

agendas.

    Desso executives Alexander Collot d'Escury (CEO) Roland Jonkhoff (Managing

Director) and Andrew Sibley (Regional Managing Director) will participate as

delegates and speakers.

    As a Cradle to Cradle(R) practitioner of the circular economy, Desso will

be able to offer practical insights into making the transition to the circular

economy at two key discussions on the topic, one of which will be led by CEO

Alexander Collot d'Escury.

    "We are delighted to have this opportunity to share our knowledge with

other business leaders and thinkers, helping all of us move closer to a more

environmentally responsible and commercially sound business model," says Desso

CEO Alexander Collot d'Escury. "Discussion of the circular economy is

particularly timely given the need to tackle major environmental issues in

China such as extreme air pollution[1]," Collot d'Escury adds. "China's rates

of asthma, for example, have shot up in recent years due to indoor air

pollution[2] and it will be good to be able to discuss how businesses can

contribute to better health and wellbeing through product innovations like the

DESSO AirMaster(R) - created with the specific purpose of reducing fine dust in

the air indoors."

    On Thursday, 12 September there will be a private session on "Scaling up

the Circular Economy" at which Desso and other business leaders will discuss a

new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and the World Economic Forum

(produced with the support of McKinsey & Co) that looks into how to catalyse

the circular economy at scale.

    Following this on Friday, 13 September, Desso CEO Alexander Collot d'Escury

will be one of the discussion leaders at a meeting on "The Circular Economy in

Application", exploring how organisations are making the transition. Other

speakers include Peter Lacy (Managing Director, Strategy & Sustainability

Services, Asia Pacific Accenture); Ma Jun (Director, Institute of Public and

Environmental Affairs); and Tim Wang (Senior VP & GM, Greater China, Ecolab

(China) Investment Co. Ltd.). It will be facilitated by Dominic Waughray,

Senior Director, Head of Environmental Initiatives, World Economic Forum.

    For more information go to:

http://www.weforum.org/events/annual-meeting-new-champions-2013

    --------------------------------------------------

    1. The East is Grey, The Economist, August 10th, 2013.

    2. Lua Wilkinson, China's Asthma Problem Is Bad - and Growing Worse, The

Atlantic, June 2013.

    SOURCE: Desso Group BV