Why the UK Needs a Circular Economy Plan

Transitioning to a circular economy would mean moving away from a ‘throwaway’ economy and towards a system which prioritises resource-efficiency, reuse and repair, and designing out waste entirely. The UK lacks a set of ambitious policy recommendations that would structure this transition.

A Circular Economy Plan for the UK was originally scheduled for autumn 2025. Yet, given the upcoming leadership change, climate organisations and some industry leaders worry that the government strategy promised to them may never materialise.

The UK’s approach is too slow

While the UK parliament is yet to release a plan, Scotland’s devolved parliament launched its own national Circular Economy Strategy (CES) back in 2016 and has continued to push forward reforms:

• Since 2016, it is estimated that circular economic activity has accounted for £4 billion to the Scottish economy.

• Updated in 2024, the strategy sets a roadmap for 2045.

• It targets specific sectors and products such as packaging and unwanted electrical and electronic equipment.

Scotland follows behind the EU, whose Circular Economy Action Plan introduced 54 actions which were all adopted or implemented by 2019. 14 member states, eight regions and 11 cities also followed suit with their own individual plans. The next EU Circularity Act aims to double the EU’s current circularity rate of 12% to 24%. 

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Industry and organisational pressure on the UK government is building

Industry leaders have recently called for greater urgency in a letter to the Secretary of State. Signed by 50 businesses and trade associations, the letter explains that clear and decisive government policy is vital for attracting much-needed investment. The letter emphasises that not only is a plan overdue amidst this climate crisis but a national plan would promote growth and create jobs. 

Green Alliance has also launched a campaign to hold the government accountable for its duty to follow through on its plans. Green Alliance highlights key industries where the UK lacks policy clarity such as chemicals and plastics, and material recovery. Moreover, the UK waste framework was written over 15 years ago, and thus is long overdue for re-examination. 

The UK parliament, severely lagging behind the European and Scottish parliaments, is not only delaying the urgent need for reforming our supply chains but losing out on potential growth opportunities.

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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk

Image: Art, Music, Hands - Image by Manuel Torres Garcia from Pixabay (ST ref: 1400)