Laura Su: “I always wanted to do something meaningful, something to be proud of”

How was university for you? Studying in your home city must have meant it wasn’t as big a change as it is for some other people?

Knowing the city was a comfort, but university gave me something different. It was the space I needed to push myself, to try new things and grow in confidence.

Growing up, I was quite shy and often held back. But being surrounded by like-minded people at the Business School, who challenged and supported each other, gave me the opportunity to step out of my shell. We worked together, brought new ideas to life and even launched the Enterprise Society.

That collaborative environment didn’t just build my professional skills. It allowed me to develop into the person I wanted to be and step into the confidence I knew I needed for the future.

Let’s talk a bit about your work now. Did your work at Eco Clarity come from a passion for environmental issues or from seeing an opportunity in a problem?

It actually came about quite naturally. Through my previous work in the sector, I’d built a reputation for bringing people together and making things happen, which is how I connected with Eco Clarity.

For context, we’ve got a big problem with fats, oils and grease (FOG) waste in this country. When it’s not managed properly, it ends up in the sewers, where it solidifies, causes blockages and can even lead to flooding. It’s costly, damaging and totally avoidable.

What I loved about Eco Clarity was that instead of just seeing it as a waste problem, they saw an opportunity. We take that wastewater, recover those fats and oils, and turn them into useful products like biofuels and fertilisers. With the toxins stripped out, the water is also treated and returned back to the environment.

Over time, working on this has become a real passion. I enjoy tackling messy problems (literally and figuratively!)

What do you still want to achieve?

For me, the next step is driving real change at a bigger scale. We’ve worked with government over the years, but there’s still a gap between conversations and action.

I’d like to see stronger legislation that supports circular economy practices. That’s treating waste as a potential resource, not just something to get rid of. Right now, policies don’t go far enough to encourage that shift. Food businesses especially need clearer guidance and better incentives to manage their waste sustainably.

What has been the best, or most surprising, perk of your professional success?

One of the best things about my role is working in a space where there’s no blueprint. Because the challenges are new, we have the freedom to figure out the best way forward. That flexibility means I can focus on finding real solutions, not just following a set process.

It’s all about the outcome and delivering practical impact. I’m trusted to get results, and how I get there depends on what works best for the challenge in front of me. Aside from that, I’ve made some incredible friends along the way.

What is it that inspires you professionally?

It’s the feeling of making a difference. I always wanted to do something meaningful, something to be proud of. I just had no idea that would be through FOG!

For me, working in sustainability is about practical change. Small actions, smart solutions and working with people who want to make things better. I love figuring out how to solve those challenges. And as the industry evolves, there’s always more to learn, and more to share. Whether it’s helping businesses improve their practices, raising awareness or supporting schools, giving back is a big part of what keeps me motivated.

Sustainability is a huge area, and it needs people with all kinds of skills and interests. What would you say to someone who thinks they might want to work in sustainability?

Sustainability is such a broad topic, so my advice would be to start by figuring out what area interests you. It’s easy to think of it as just environmental work, but it is so much more than that. It touches so many parts of business and life.

A good starting point is the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs. They cover a wide range of global priorities and can help you spot which areas resonate with you most.

You don’t have to change the world overnight. For me, it was about finding where my skills and interests could make a difference. Sustainability isn’t going anywhere, and there’s a place for everyone to get involved.

Do you have a final message for young people who are trying to figure out their futures now?

My advice would be simple: try different things. Most people don’t know exactly what they want to do at first, and that’s completely normal. The best way to figure it out is to give things a go. If something doesn’t work out, you’ll learn from it. And, sometimes, the things that don’t go right teach you more than the things that do.

It’s not always easy, but that’s okay. Figuring things out takes time. The important part is to enjoy the process, stay curious and see every experience as a step forward.

About Laura Su

Laura is a Hull local. She grew up in the area and, despite working nationally and internationally, finds herself repeatedly drawn back to the city she has known since she was small. She lives with her partner, Mark, and Jack Russell, Snoopy, at their home in Hull.

Since graduating in 2014, Laura has built a standout career in environmental innovation. She’s a recognised voice in turning environmental challenges into practical, scalable solutions, and is well known for her ability to unite industry and stakeholders around shared sustainability goals.

Now Business Development Manager at Eco Clarity, Laura is leading the charge on FOG recovery, placing Hull at the forefront of a pioneering circular economy model that transforms problematic waste into cleaner, renewable resources.