Veolia driver awarded Employee of the Quarter for life-saving CPR
Veolia has recognised employees Matko Spondreht and Scott Franklin as its “Employees of the Quarter” after they took steps to save the life of their colleague Daniel Gardiner.
Gardiner collapsed on a routine round on 2 September 2024 in St Albans after feeling unwell. Driver Spondreht had previously worked as a nurse and checked for breathing and a pulse.
Upon finding neither, he performed CPR on Gardiner who regained consciousness. Franklin meanwhile called 999.
After taking some time off to recover, Gardiner has made a full recovery and has returned to work with a phased approach.
Gardiner express gratitude to his colleagues: “I will forever be extremely grateful and there are not enough words to say thank you to Matko for the responsive work that saved my life and kept me alive.”
Tom Allen to host the 2025 FPA Awards
The Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) has announced that comedian and actor Tom Allen will host its 2025 FPA Awards.
Allen has hosted shows such as The Apprentice, You’re Fired and Cooking with the Stars.
FPA executive chair Mark Byrne said: “The FPA Awards have become a highlight of the foodservice packaging sector and each year we aim to exceed expectations. Securing such a high-profile performer – who as well as presenting the Awards will also be treating guests to a 15-minute cabaret – is another step towards this.”
The criteria for the awards and the entry form can be found online with entries closing on 17 January 2025.
The awards will take place on 13 March at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.
Byrne concluded: “It’s always impressive so see such high levels of packaging design and innovation and we look forward to another bumper year of Award entries. And huge thanks as always to our Award sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t be able to put on such a prestigious event for our members”.
Community RePaint celebrates one million litres of paint saved
Paint circularity initiative Community RePaint’s Wirral centre has redistributed its one millionth litre of paint. 
The centre is run by Recipro which collects paint from 16 Household Waste Recycling Centres as well as receiving donated leftover paint from businesses and decorators in the local area.
“Over 50 million litres of paint go to waste each year in the UK. It’s a shocking statistic and, at Community RePaint, we’re determined to provide a solution.
“Through the work we do at our Community RePaint centres we can make a meaningful difference in reducing the amount of paint being incinerated or sent to landfill to protect the planet. This also benefits those who reuse leftover paint in their homes and communities who can access paint affordably and sustainably.”
EMR joins energy initiative Regen
EMR has joined industry body Regen to explore creating an at-scale circular economy for decommissioned wind turbines.
More than 200 members are currently part of the Regen initiative including businesses, local authorities, community energy groups and research organisations across the energy sector.
Hannah Stanley, stakeholder manager at Regen, said: “We’re pleased to welcome EMR to the Regen network. Their expertise in sustainable materials management comes at a crucial time for the energy sector, as we work to establish more circular pathways for decommissioned wind turbines and other renewable assets.
“Meeting the UK’s onshore wind targets will require both new technology and effective end-of-life solutions for existing infrastructure. EMR’s focus on reuse and recycling aligns well with Regen’s mission to support a sustainable, resilient energy system.”
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