Jeremy Blake started his career in Shell Research before opportunity led him to Crime Scene Science. He worked in Crime Scene Investigation for Kent Police eventually becoming Head of Crime Scene Investigation. From there he joined the Home Office Forensic Science Service leading the effective use of forensic science in policing. Throughout this period, he was a senior lecturer in Forensic Chemistry at the University of Kent and deputy chair of the Forensic Science Society Awards Committee.
His interest in solving problems using science led him to move into the recycling industry. With time spent developing and operating MRF’s and sorting operations through to reprocessing of glass and polymers he has gained a wide knowledge of the practical functions required to unlock the circular economy of packaging.
Having spent a number of years leading the plastic and paper recycling operations of the largest recycler in the UK, at the time, he moved to become the Chief Operating Officer of advanced recycling company, Enval. He then joined one the largest global plastic packaging convertors, Berry Global now Amcor, where he was the Managing Director of their rigid plastic recycling business. This role included responsibility for the build and operation of their, award winning, kerbside polypropylene recycling site.
He was then appointed Director of Circular Economy for Amcor to drive the effective management of their products throughout their lifecycle throughout the globe. This combined the knowledge he gained in nearly all parts of the packaging circular economy and his passion for positive environmental change.
Throughout his career he has acted in an advisory capacity to many groups and trade associations to drive the circular economy.
Currently he is the Chief Executive Officer of PackUK, and is leading the development and operations of the UK’s packaging extended producer responsibility scheme.