The stories shaping the environmental sector at ESS Expo 2026
From MPs and regulators to major brands, new technology and live industry announcements, ESS Expo brings together some of the biggest environmental stories of the moment.
With 720+ exhibitors and suppliers and 300+ speakers across two days at the NEC Birmingham, journalists can hear directly from policymakers, regulators, businesses and innovators across waste, water, air quality, energy, circular economy and environmental services.
16–17 September 2026
NEC Birmingham
Stories to watch
Government action on PFAS
Toby Perkins MP, Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee, will discuss the Committee's inquiry into PFAS "forever chemicals", the UK Government's PFAS Action Plan and whether the UK currently has the monitoring, capacity and regulatory framework needed to address the issue.
Addressing the Risks from PFAS: What Government Action is Needed
Thursday 17 September | 12:15pm
easyJet + Google on aviation and AI
easyJet and Google will explore how AI and atmospheric data are being used to better understand aircraft contrails and their contribution to aviation's climate impact.
The session features David Buckley, Flight Operations Manager – Efficiencies at easyJet, and Tomas Panek, Head of Contrail Partnerships at Google.
Lowering Aviation's Impact: How easyJet is Using Google AI to Learn More About Contrails
Thursday 17 September | 10:45am
Environment Agency on waste crime
Steve Molyneux, Director of Energy & Resources at the Environment Agency, will give a six-month update on the Agency's 10-point plan for tackling waste crime.
The session will cover progress on initiatives including Operation Unite, the forthcoming Operational Waste Intelligence and Analysis Unit, and work with Government to disrupt organised waste criminals.
A 10-Point Plan for Tackling Waste Crime
Wednesday 16 September | 12:30pm
Climate Change Committee: is the UK on track?
The Climate Change Committee will present its latest assessment of UK progress in reducing emissions, looking at recent trends, the policies currently in place and where progress needs to accelerate.
UK Progress in Reducing Emissions: the Climate Change Committee's Latest Assessment
Wednesday 16 September | 11:30am
Latest news from ESS Expo
Cura Terrae launches new Marine and Coastal Division
Cura Terrae has launched a new division supporting marine development, nature recovery, coastal climate resilience and environmental consenting.
Garden Waste Awards return to RWM
The Garden Waste Awards return to celebrate councils and teams delivering standout garden-waste services.
High-efficiency emission control for gensets
HJS Emission Technology explores solutions helping stationary and mobile genset operators achieve MCPD, Stage V and Tier 4f emissions compliance.
Aquaspira to exhibit at WWEM Expo 2026
Aquaspira will bring its UK-manufactured low-carbon large-diameter pipe and water-storage solutions to WWEM.
John King Chains returns to RWM in its centenary year
The British manufacturer marks 100 years in business as it returns to RWM 2026.
CBAi brings practical AI training to ESS
CBAi will showcase practical AI training for essential industries, covering leadership, tenders, reporting, administration and Copilot.
Dennis Eagle launches CrewSense AI
Dennis Eagle will debut CrewSense AI, an integrated behavioural-awareness camera system designed to reduce near-miss incidents and improve crew confidence.
CameraMatics: Supporting drivers
CameraMatics looks at how fleet technology can support drivers, improve visibility and help operators manage risk.
Butek Tanks: wastewater and stormwater management
Butek Tanks will showcase integrated solutions for temporary wastewater treatment and stormwater storage.
PureGen: The PFAS Challenge
PureGen explores the challenge presented by PFAS and the technologies available to address persistent contamination.
Exhibitor News in Brief: What's Coming to ESS Expo 2026
From AI-powered sorting systems and new refuse collection technology to autonomous river-monitoring drones and flood protection, discover what exhibitors are bringing to ESS Expo this year.
Dutch delegation comes to RWM 2026
Eleven Dutch waste and circular-economy businesses will come together at the Netherlands Pavilion at RWM.
HydroDaaS: Delivering Section 82 compliance with confidence
Xylem will demonstrate its HydroDaaS offering as water companies prepare to scale Continuous Water Quality Monitoring networks.
AI-powered municipal solid waste sortation with AMP
AMP will bring its AI-powered Smart Sortation™ technology for municipal solid waste to ESS Expo.
Solinst launches Levelogger® 6 Series
Solinst will showcase its newly launched next-generation water-level and temperature datalogger.
CameraMatics and N-Virocycle
CameraMatics shares how its partnership with N-Virocycle has helped deliver real-time fleet visibility, simpler compliance and more efficient operations.
Flowstop: Helping homes and businesses stay dry
Flowstop will demonstrate its custom-fit inflatable flood barriers, designed to protect doors, garages and windows without permanent construction work.
See the Surfbee ASV in action at WWEM 2026
Xylem will showcase the Surfbee Autonomous Surface Vehicle, a remotely operated drone boat designed to collect water-quality, flow and bathymetric data.
