
178 Simon Cook of Reset Scenery: embedding circularity into the creative industries
From Circular Economy Podcast by Catherine Weetman
March 22, 2026 · 39 min
About this episode
Simon Cook discusses embedding circularity into the creative industries through his work with Reset Scenery.
Simon Cook is co-founder of Reset Scenery, a Scotland-based organisation working at the intersection of the creative industries and the circular economy. Simon has over 25 years in set construction and more than a decade focused on circular practice, and works to reduce waste in the creative industries by reclaiming, repurposing and rethinking scenic fabrication. Through Reset Scenery’s circular programmes, material recovery systems and industry advocacy, Simon champions practical, scalable approaches to sustainable fabrication for stage, screen and live events. Reset Scenery supports the Stage, Screen & Events sectors through reclaimed material redistribution, circular material management strategies and lower-impact construction approaches aligned with initiatives such as the Theatre Green Book. Simon and his co-founder, Matt Doolan are focusing on how to change the whole system – how best can they intervene or educate, and where in the system; how do they help people see the benefits, and make the circular option more affordable and accessible than the scenery that’s designed NOT to last. Simon explains some of the ways they embed circular principles directly into design and…
People in this episode
Guest: Simon Cook
Topics covered
- circular economy
- creative industries
- sustainable fabrication
- set construction
- material recovery
Keywords
- circular design
- waste reduction
- reclaimed materials
- sustainable practices
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Reset Scenery
Places: Scotland
More episodes of Circular Economy Podcast
- 180 Building the business case for circularity: the ripple effect · April 20, 2026 · 37 min
- 179 Dimitri Naczaj: using behavioural science to bridge the “say-do” gap · April 4, 2026 · 42 min
- 177 Dan Dicker: moving the dial on reusable cup systems · March 8, 2026 · 54 min
- 176 Katie Allen – why healthy clothing starts with healthy soils · February 22, 2026 · 48 min
- 175 Stephen Fitzpatrick: remanufacturing as a strategic capability · February 8, 2026 · 53 min
- 174 Sydney Harris and Jennifer Carrigan of Upstream: effective, equitable reuse systems · January 25, 2026 · 37 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Circular Economy Podcast podcast page.