Around 13,000 visitors attended RWM 2015 according to organisers i2i Events Group and the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management.
There were 700 leading exhibitor brands and more than 70 seminar sessions from significant speakers.
Among them, the European Commission's Director-General for Environment Karl Falkenberg emphasised the importance of designing products to last, by drawing on experience and the best technology.
Defra minister for resource management Rory Stewart said this was an 'unbelievably exciting industry' and talked about addressing challenges including cutting red tape and reducing waste crime. He also said circular economy targets must be ambitious but achievable and urged the industry to become a world leader in how we manage resources.
There was standing room only in many of the packed theatre sessions as a wealth of top speakers from all parts of the supply chain shared their expertise, including B&Q, bio-bean, Futerra, and McKinsey & Company.
Significant research reports were also launched at RWM. This included a report entitled Managing the Risk from Secondary Raw Material Price Movements by Eunomia Research & Consulting for Resources & Waste UK and funded by the Environmental Services Association Education Trust.
And a new report by Suez, At this Rate, explored England's recycling challenges. Alban Forster, Director of SLR Consulting, Lee Marshall, CEO of LARAC, and Suez UK CEO, David Palmer-Jones shared the report's findings at the show.
RWM Chair, Barry Dennis said: 'Our dynamic industry is constantly developing ideas and solutions to make the world more resource efficient. I was delighted by the scale of representation at the show, the wonderful atmosphere and the forward thinking in evidence. This year's show has helped propel this remarkable innovation and best practice into the international limelight.'
RWM returns to the NEC next year from 13-15 September. It will again be run next door to The Energy Event, The Renewables Event and The Water Event.
