With individuals and organisations across Europe, and a core staff team based in Brussels (Belgium), Zero Waste Europe works tirelessly towards meaningful impact and a truly circular economy in Europe.
Our different backgrounds and walks of life all converge on our common mission – to create a circular, fairer, just, waste-free future for all.
The team
Based in Brussels (Belgium), the ZWE staff works to support the zero waste movement and to drive ambitious policies at the European level.
The staff team has grown significantly since ZWE’s foundation in 2010, and includes people from all over Europe and from all walks of life who are united by the same vision and purpose – to create a better, more circular, fairer, waste-free world. Get to know them below!
Joan Marc Simon
Executive Director
About my role
I ensure the organisation is delivering on our goal to make Europe zero waste as soon as possible!
That is to say that my role is to challenge established thinking; define and build impact; raise and organise financial and human resources; represent the organisation to the outside world; and be accountable to the zero waste movement.
I joined ZWE because…
For starters, it will be impossible to get Europe to zero waste without ZWE. Also, because I want to work on rebuilding natural and social capital for our children, and have an impact my mum can understand 🙂
Languages
English, French, Catalan, Spanish, Italian, German, and a bit of Arabic and Estonian
Before joining ZWE…
That was a long time ago… but my background is in the field of democratisation of international institutions and starting all sorts of projects – from NGOs to wine import-export business. I have worked in public administration and the private sector, but always been guided by purpose and impact.
Esra Tat
Associate Director
About my role
As part of the Management team, I lead the strategic development of ZWE as a network and organisation, and ensure the effective implementation of the vision with the team and member organisations. This includes coordinating our team and programmes, engaging with funders, and representing the organisation. I also act as the European Regional Coordinator towards GAIA International to further promote zero waste models worldwide.
I joined ZWE because…
I strongly believe in the power of networks and movements to drive change, especially when they are able to bring diverse voices and forces around the table, as ZWE does.
Languages
French, Turkish, English, and Italian.
Before joining ZWE…
I started and led organisations tackling environmental and social issues, like a social enterprise developing energy-efficient housing programmes, and an NGO promoting diverse women role models. I worked as a freelance programme manager and a facilitator with international networks and organisations in the field of resources, climatem and social impact.
Katleen Verhelle
Operations Director
About my role
As Operations Director, and part of the Management team, I focus on defining the operational design of the organisation, establishing and promoting the company culture and vision, and making sure the entire team is provided with all they need to succeed.
I joined ZWE because…
I wanted to find more purpose in my job and help drive environmental change through my professional life.
Languages
Dutch, English, French, and some Spanish.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked in the private sector for more than 10 years, where I moved through roles in operations, supply chain, sales, marketing, and others. After this, I spent 2 years within the humanitarian world before joining Zero Waste Europe.
Caroline Culliere
Interim Associate Director
About my role
Along with the Management team, I ensure the implementation of our strategic vision; and I work on new Financing Models.
I joined ZWE because…
I wanted to act as a citizen and use my professional knowledge to create a true impact.
Languages
French, English, Spanish, Italian for ordering food, and Hebrew when I dare 🙂
Before joining ZWE…
I worked in many different and challenging environments, in different countries, on diverse topics – from public to private sectors, building businesses from scratch, always driven by the necessity to ‘act for good’.
Mariel Vilella
Global Strategy Director
About my role
I lead the development and implementation of the ZWE Global Strategy, with the mission of ensuring that European zero waste victories on EU policy, ZW business models, cities, and grassroots fronts set a positive standard at the global level and are taken on board to develop environmental policy and practice around the globe – effectively preventing the expansion of European waste incineration technologies in the Global South. To do this, I coordinate with the GAIA team, network members and other stakeholders to pursue specific relevant targets on different topics.
I joined ZWE because…
I believe that we are on this planet to give our best shot at making things right – plus, at ZWE and GAIA it’s impossible to get bored!
Languages
Catalan, English, Spanish, a bit of French, and I can manage polite greetings in Chinese.
Before joining ZWE…
I have 20 years of expertise in the field of environmental justice campaigning and I’ve been over 10 years in different leadership roles in GAIA and Zero Waste Europe. Before ZWE and GAIA, I worked extensively in environmental communication and organisation – from film-making on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in Catalonia as part of food sovereignty campaigning; to being the editor-in-chief of an ethical consumption magazine, and managing the editorial process of international publications at the institutional level.
Delphine Levi Alvares
European Coordinator for the Break Free From Plastic movement
Delphine Levi Alvares
European Coordinator for the Break Free From Plastic movement
Send an emailAbout my role
As the European Coordinator of the Break Free From Plastic movement, I spend most of my time developing its holistic strategy and linking it to the broad global movement. I have been involved in the BFFP movement since its inception in 2015, uniting more than 100 European organisations under a common vision.
In addition to this, I have been the coordinator of the Rethink Plastic alliance since 2017 – which acts as BFFP’s European policy arm working on plastic pollution policies across the European Union; and which played a crucial role securing ambitious legislation on single-use plastics at the European level.
I joined ZWE because…
I strongly believe that the current throwaway culture does not have to be our fate – we can preserve our planet and build a better society through movement-building, circular, zero waste practices.
Languages
French, English, and a bit of Spanish
Before joining ZWE…
I worked for Zero Waste France as a Senior Advocacy Officer.
Janek Vähk
Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Programme Coordinator
About my role
I’ve been ZWE’s Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Programme Coordinator since 2018. I coordinate our climate and energy policy advocacy work towards EU institutions in issues related to end-of-life waste treatment.
I joined ZWE because…
I wanted to be part of an activist movement to share solutions that preserve our planet and our future.
Languages
I speak Estonian, English, Spanish, and some French.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked for Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE) and Justice and Environment (J&E), where I was responsible for the development of strategic partnerships.
Nathan Dufour
Consumption & Production Programme Coordinator
About my role
I lead on the development of the Consumption and Production programme as its coordinator, building bridges between CSOs, new businesses, innovators, academics, investors and policy-makers to contribute to the emergence of a truly circular, zero waste, and non-toxic economy that has prevention and reuse at its core. I also co-coordinates the business leg of the BFFP-led We Choose Reuse campaign which, among others, has gathered the support of around 200 reuse businesses from across Europe.
I joined ZWE because…
I believe this is one of the very few organisations in Europe that has ‘what it takes’ to lead on both the formulation and implementation of the sort of paradigm shift that is required to transform our current unsustainable and toxic consumption and production model. Thanks to ZWE and its members, I know that solutions exist, that they are ready to be scaled up, and that change is coming.
Languages
French, English, Polish, Spanish, and Dutch.
Before joining ZWE…
I held various positions in the fields of international affairs, European and domestic politics in Belgium, Poland and South Africa between 2012 and 2018; and also worked as project manager and coordinator during high level events such as the European Development Days or the EU-Africa Business Summit. While based in South Africa between 2016 and 2018, I also contributed to the research, business development, and advocacy work of a consultancy specialised in international and African climate finance, the African Climate Finance Hub.
Justine Maillot
Policy Coordinator of Rethink Plastic Alliance · Consumption & Production Campaigner
Justine Maillot
Policy Coordinator of Rethink Plastic Alliance · Consumption & Production Campaigner
Send an emailAbout my role
I coordinate the policy work of the Rethink Plastic Alliance, a coalition of leading European NGOs working on EU policies related to plastic along its value chain, from extraction of plastic feedstock to disposal.
I am also part of the Consumption and Production team at ZWE, working mainly to ensure that food packaging is toxic-free.
I joined ZWE because…
Waste generation and plastic pollution are symptoms of our current failing models of production, distribution and consumption of products and packaging. I want to contribute to put in place new systems that use our resources wisely, protect our health and environment, and are designed with and for vibrant local communities.
Languages
English, French, and I can get by in Spanish.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked several years with Greenpeace, advocating for ambitious EU policies to protect our oceans and end overfishing; and then joined Surfrider Foundation Europe, working mainly on marine pollution.
Larissa Copello
Consumption & Production Campaigner
About my role
Within the Consumption & Production Programme, I work with upstream solutions to avoid creating waste in the first place by advocating and promoting reusable and zero waste business models. My areas of work include single-use plastics, packaging, menstrual products, and nappies.
I also coordinate two European campaigns with the ZWE and BFFP networks on the environmental, health and social impacts of menstrual products and nappies.
I joined ZWE because…
I believe and stand for a zero waste and sustainable way of living. I pursue a zero waste lifestyle myself and for me it is the most logical (and the only way) to live in harmony with our planet. I love to work on something in which I believe and where I can have a meaningful impact.
Languages
Portuguese, English, and French.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked as an Environmental, Health and Safety Consultant in Brussels and previously as a lawyer in Brazil (my home country).
Dorota Napierska
Policy Officer on Toxic-Free Consumption & Production
About my role
I work on toxic-free consumption and production to ensure safe and sustainable solutions. That means work on the presence of hazardous chemicals in products and packaging, promotion of non-toxic alternatives, and how this all impacts human health, the environment and the achievement of a truly circular economy. My advocacy work focuses on the revision of the EU food contact materials legislation.
I joined ZWE because…
ZWE is a true leader in the zero waste movement and a catalyst for good practices in the field of circular economy – I believe it is a perfect place where my passion for those issues can grow further and where I can contribute to driving changes in Europe in the right direction.
Languages
English, Polish, Dutch (used to speak decent German and Russian but it was a long, long time ago…).
Before joining ZWE…
I was leading the Safer Chemicals programme at Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Europe. I also worked as an expert in chemical safety and security for the European Commission (DG Joint Research Center), and as a researcher at the Department of Public Health of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Belgium).
Jack McQuibban
Cities & Communities Programme Coordinator
About my role
I am the Zero Waste Cities Programme Coordinator, responsible for supporting local municipalities across Europe, via the network of ZWE’s members, to design and implement effective zero waste strategies in their community. Currently, the programme works with over 400 municipalities who have committed to go zero waste. I helped create the world’s first ever Zero Waste Cities Certification and regularly work with colleagues at MiZA to implement this across the continent, whilst I also represent Europe on the Zero Waste International Alliance Board.
I joined ZWE because…
I believe in the change and I believe in the power of communities leading this change. Now more than ever, we need to be working hard to protect our planet. I joined because I wanted to put these passions of mine to use in an energetic, dynamic organisation like ZWE.
Languages
English.
Before joining ZWE…
I had several years’ experience working for organisations in the field of sustainability and youth-led development, successfully building campaigns and movements to influence policies at the United Nations, European Union, and British Government level.
Pierre Condamine
Waste Policy Officer
About my role
As a Waste Policy Officer, I mostly act within the EU institutional bubble, pushing for more ambitious legislation on waste management, food waste, or waste shipments. I also support the Cities & Communities program by making the link with European legislation and by identifying good practices to be disseminated across Europe.
I joined ZWE because…
I believe we need radical institutional changes to face the environmental crisis. And zero waste, by having a diffuse impact on society as a whole, is one key aspect to bring this much needed transition.
Languages
French, English, and a bit of Spanish and Japanese.
Before joining ZWE…
I did an internship in the NGO Surfrider Foundation Europe, where I mostly focused on the impact of marine littering.
Kaisa Karjalainen
Coordinator of the Mission Zero Academy
About my role
I lead the development of the Mission Zero Academy and its services; design, test and scale up different training and consultancy concepts; as well as performance certifications that accelerate the transition to zero waste in municipalities and businesses. I scout and form partnerships with different organisations on a similar mission, and identify the most pressing needs of our customers for us to solve.
I joined ZWE because…
I want to be part of the solution to one of the most wicked problems the planet has, our wasteful use of resources. I enjoy working in an international setting, seeing the impact our team of committed people can make and being part of a bigger movement on a mission. My role allows me to combine my geeky engineer’s side with my creative service designer’s side and put all my skills to the service of a meaningful purpose, which is very motivating.
Languages
Finnish, Spanish, English, and Swedish – but don’t tell the Swedes…
Before joining ZWE…
I worked as an environmental specialist, helping events and different kinds of organisations set up environmental management systems; improve their environmental performance; design waste management plans; and train their staff. I also designed different kinds of environmental education and specialist services, as well as services to extend products’ lifecycles and prevent them from becoming waste.
Chiara Padovani
Digital Marketing and Communications Officer of the Mission Zero Academy
Chiara Padovani
Digital Marketing and Communications Officer of the Mission Zero Academy
Send an emailAbout my role
I am the Digital Marketing and Communication Officer at Mission Zero Academy. I am helping to grow and develop the MiZA brand from a marketing and communication perspective.
I joined ZWE because…
Living, studying and working abroad helped me better understand the environmental crisis we are facing nowadays and the urgency to get involved, especially when it concerns helping communities to be sensitive about the matter and enabling them to implement more renewable strategies to preserve our world and future.
Languages
Italian, English, Spanish, and a bit of French and Russian.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked for a BtB consulting company specialised in occupational health and safety, environment, and legal counseling, helping other Italian SMEs to comply with the national legislation in terms of waste management and pollution.
Ana Oliveira
Communications Coordinator
About my role
I lead the Zero Waste Europe Communications Team, providing a strategic communications and promotion approach to all our activities. In addition to this, I serve as the organisation’s communications liaison to the GAIA network; provide strategic communications advice to the Rethink Plastic alliance; and act as the Communications and Marketing Coordinator of the Mission Zero Academy (MiZA).
I joined ZWE Because…
Nothing makes me happier than to communicate with a purpose – and is there a better purpose than preserving our planet and securing a sustainable future for us all?
Languages
Portuguese, English, and Dutch – besides gradually improving my French and trying not to forget my basic Italian.
Before joining ZWE…
I had work experiences in EU institutions, NGOs, and private sector communication companies, where I was involved in several projects with a socio-environmental component.
Niamh Cullen
ZWE Communications Officer and Communications Coordinator of the Rethink Plastic alliance
Niamh Cullen
ZWE Communications Officer and Communications Coordinator of the Rethink Plastic alliance
Send an emailAbout my role
I am the Communications Coordinator of the Rethink Plastic alliance, and a Communications Officer at Zero Waste Europe. I work primarily with campaigns and communications coordination related to plastics in an EU policy context.
I joined ZWE because…
ZWE is dedicated to working at the individual, community, municipal, and institutional levels to address the world’s waste crisis. It means a lot to work for making the world in which we live a healthier one, and to be able to better understand what I can do in personal and professional capacities to contribute to that.
Languages
English, Irish, some French, and I’m currently studying Dutch.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked as a communications officer and coordinator in media, NGO and EU institutional spheres. I am often involved in LGBTI, housing, and local community projects.
Theresa Bonnici
Communications Officer
About my role
I form part of the Communications team, focusing mainly on our Cities & Communities and Membership programmes.
I joined ZWE because…
I can combine my love for communications with my love for the planet and all its inhabitants!
Languages
English, Maltese, and I’m currently taking up French.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked within the journalism and non-profit sector in Malta and was involved in a number of voluntary projects.
Berta Corredor
Press Officer
About my role
As ZWE’s Press Officer, I am the point of contact for the press and media – and I thoroughly enjoy it! My main responsibilities include running press campaigns, writing and editing press materials for different media outlets, and day-to-day media handling activities.
I joined ZWE because…
I like this project called Earth and the challenge of communicating the best solutions to preserve it.
Languages
Spanish, English, French, some Italian, and a bit of Russian.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked on several EU projects with communication companies, foundations and NGOs.I spent 7 years as Press Coordinator of the Cultural Office of the Spanish Embassy in Washington DC. I have worked in several media outlets”, press agencies, radio and TV stations.
Iveta Cadrova
Membership Coordination Officer
About my role
I make sure that the 31 member organisations in Zero Waste Europe and more than 100 member organisations in Break Free From Plastic Europe are supported in implementing zero waste strategies on local, national or European levels; that they are connected to relevant campaigns, opportunities, and coordination spaces; and that their capacity and expertise are built. I am also in charge of connecting our members and our movement building efforts with other regions.
I joined ZWE because…
Zero waste strategies can transform our society and have a great environmental and social impact!
Languages
English, French, Slovak, a bit of Spanish, and I am starting to learn Dutch!
Before joining ZWE…
I have worked in the private sector and for the EU institutions. I have been involved in a variety of volunteering projects in Turkey, France, Latvia, and Belgium.
Desi Borisova
Finance Officer
About my role
I ensure that the organisation runs smoothly and maintains a healthy financial state through compliance with financial procedures. I am involved in payments, accounting, and budget follow-up; and I am a contact point for any financial matters.I provide support to the budget holders, as well as helping to fill in grant applications.
I joined ZWE because…
I wanted to experience an NGO environment (as I have worked for the private and public sector in the past). Also, I am rather passionate about reducing waste, and especially about reuse and repair products, so ZWE was the perfect fit for me.
Languages
Bulgarian, English, Dutch, and Spanish.
Before joining ZWE…
I had work experiences in the healthcare, aviation and IT sectors. I have completed a traineeship at the European Commission’s DG Trade and volunteered in an organisation for health and drug prevention amongst the youth.
Heli Pärna
Grants & Operations Officer
About my role
I keep an eye on all the incoming grants and the outgoing sub-grants. This includes preparing reports to our funders and collecting reports from our partners and following up with project coordinators. As part of the Finance and Operations Team, I also support my colleagues in other areas as needed.
I joined ZWE because…
I wanted to work in the environmental sector as that has always been close to my heart.
Languages
Estonian, Russian, English, French, Dutch, Spanish, and I have a basic level of German and Portuguese.
Before joining ZWE…
I worked in the European Commission as an assistant to a Head of Unit in the DG Interpretation, and as a project coordinator at DG ECHO (European Commission Humanitarian aid and Civil Protection). I mostly worked on projects in Latin American countries. Before that, as a student, I worked part-time as a hotel receptionist, in a museum, in a bakery, as a bartender and even at a helpdesk!
Alexandra Clipa
Admin Assistant
About my role
I act as one of the main contact points for the organisation since I have access to essential content that may be fundamental to my colleagues’ work. In my day-to-day work, I make sure that the office runs smoothly and that my team gets all the support they need. I coordinate all aspects related to office matters and IT support and also offer my assistance when it comes to finance, bookkeeping and HR tasks.
I joined ZWE because…
I do believe in a world where people can learn to value our natural resources and take active responsibility in caring for the environment – they just need to be pointed in the right direction and have access to reliable sources of information. And that’s what I love about Zero Waste Europe: we act locally to influence globally.
Languages
Romanian, English, and French.
Before joining ZWE…
I had several internships in EU Affairs; participated in various volunteer activities (human rights, poverty eradication, R&D); and worked in the private sector (organic food) for some time before deciding that I’m a better fit in a non-profit environment such as ZWE.
The team
The ZWE Board is democratically elected from the network membership at the Zero Waste Europe Annual General Meeting.
Our Board offers vision and expertise to the Zero Waste Europe network and organisation, and are an integral and invaluable – yet pro-bono – part of our structure. Get to know each of our Board members below!
Rossano Ercolini
President of the Board
Rossano Ercolini
President of the Board
Xiaowei Liu
Treasurer
Xiaowei Liu
Treasurer
About my role
I oversee and control budgets, accounts, financial reporting, audit, procedure, among others; advise on compliance with relevant legislation; and provide HR support. I am also ZWE’s Person of Trust, and I liaise with relevant staff on different operational matters.
I joined the ZWE Board because…
I want to make a contribution for a better tomorrow; volunteer for a cause that I am passionate about; and because of my strong connection with ZWE.
Languages
English, Dutch, Chinese, some French, and some basic German.
In addition to ZWE…
I have over 15 years’ experience in finance, HR, and administrative management in different NGOs and private companies. I am currently working as Operations Director at Seas at Risk vzw, and I have a Master’s Degree in Applied Economic Science and Business Administration.
Huub Scheele
Secretary
Huub Scheele
Secretary
About my role
I am the Secretary of the Board and currently work as Coordinator for the Global Greengrants Fund. I take care of the administrative and financial aspects of ZWE as a Dutch association and represent ZWE in the GAIA Global Advisory Hub.
I joined the ZWE Board because…
A Dutch national was needed to found and register ZWE as a Dutch entity – and I had been working on stopping the export of hazardous waste in the past and liked the work on Zero Waste Cities.
Languages
Dutch, English, German, Spanish, French, and a bit of CEE languages.
In addition to ZWE…
I monitor policies and projects of international financial institutions, and support human rights defenders worldwide. I enjoy growing vegetables in the allotment garden and mushrooms at home (on coffee grounds).
Elena Rastei
Board Member
Elena Rastei
Board Member
Antigone Dalamaga
Antigone Dalamaga
The team
The Zero Waste Europe network and team receive technical advice and guidance from the Scientific Committee.
Consisting of renowned scientific experts in the field of waste management, the Committee ensures the technical consistency and feasibility of our policies, and gives advice to the Board. Their invaluable insight is used to inform our positions and stances on a number of zero waste issues.
Enzo Favoino
Chair of the Scientific Committee
Enzo Favoino
Chair of the Scientific Committee
About my role
I must ensure technical and scientific support to members, the Board, and ZWE officers in their day-to-day actions to influence policy-making, drive decisions and implement zero waste schemes locally.
I coordinate scientific inputs from outside so as to make them into a solid, convincing set of arguments. Also, I frequently provide technical and scientific help to non-European zero waste networks, promoting good views and practices.
I joined the ZWE Board because…
Since the very beginning (I was in ZWE since its foundation) we considered the importance of having a scientifically solid, operationally credible, and consistent approach to the definition of relevant policies and implementation of local zero waste schemes.
In my previous years of engagement with local zero waste programmes, I have seen how important it is to sound convincing, with a good set of arguments supporting our proposals, and debunking biased, flawed visions heading in a different direction than ours.
Languages
Fluent in English, Italian; I read and understand French and Spanish, and to some extent, German (which I studied by myself in my childhood – I was a language enthusiast, although I had no chance to practice back then…).
In addition to ZWE…
I work at Scuola Agraria del Parco di Monza, a Research & Technical Development Centre with a prominent role in promoting separate collection and sustainable management of discards around Europe. I often provide support to local authorities, National Governments and Agencies, and International Organisations (including the EU) in defining strategies and policies.
I love doing sports – swimming (and ice swimming) in particular, which I also use to raise awareness of environmental issues such as plastic leakage into our lakes and oceans, and climate change, although my hectic life trims training hours to the minimum.
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