Circular economy could be transformational for Scotland
New strategy positions Scotland as a world leader in circular economy policy and practice
Developing a circular economy could transform Scotland by unlocking hundreds of millions of pounds for the economy, according to Scottish Enterprise.
The agency welcomed the publication of Making Things Last, Scotland’s first dedicated strategy for embedding a circular economy, and commented that it represents a significant opportunity for boosting the country’s productivity and international competitiveness.
The strategy outlines how Scotland can capture greater economic and environmental benefits by using resources more smartly across the economy. It sets out an ambitious plan to help businesses in Scotland drive innovation, boost productivity and increase their competitiveness through circular business processes. It is an evolution of Scotland’s zero waste and resource efficiency agenda, positioning it as a world-leader in circular economy policy and practice.
Circular economy processes keep products and materials in high value use for as long as possible through re-using, repairing and remanufacturing products and materials.
For example, remanufacturing already contributes £1.1 billion per year to Scotland’s economy and has the potential to grow by a further £620 million by 2020. The adoption of innovative, circular approaches in Scotland’s beer, whisky and fish sectors could lead to potential savings of half a billion pounds per year.
Linda Hanna, managing director of strategy and sectors at Scottish Enterprise said: “A circular economy represents a huge opportunity for increasing Scotland’s productivity and international reputation as we adopt innovative ways of realising the value of products and materials flowing through the economy.
“This strategy shifts our focus beyond recycling, encouraging businesses to grow and create new value through design, innovation and deeper collaboration with customers and supply chains.
“Companies in manufacturing and food and drink are already reaping the benefits of more circular business practices, delivering both economic and environmental gains. Through our support – including via the new Manufacturing Action Plan – Scottish Enterprise is actively working with key industries and our partners to encourage more businesses to build resilience and growth through these opportunities."
Note to editors
The Scottish Government has launched national Food Waste Reduction targets. Press release here.
Making Things Last – A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland is available on the Scottish Government website here: http://www.gov.scot/makingthingslast
Research jointly commissioned by Scottish Enterprise, Zero Waste Scotland, SEPA and the Scottish Government provides further information on circular economy opportunities for Scotland. This includes reports on Remanufacturing and Food & Drink (Beer, Whisky and Fish sub-sectors) here and here.
About Scottish Enterprise circular economy support
Scottish Enterprise is actively helping companies to address circular economy opportunities, both in Scotland and across global supply chains, in conjunction with partners such as Zero Waste Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, SEPA, the Scottish Institute for Remanufacture, and the Innovation Centres. Its innovation support teams work with companies to re-design their products and business models for easier re-use and remanufacture. Scottish Enterprise also works with industry bodies to address circular economy opportunities in growth sectors including Food and Drink, Energy and Chemical Sciences.
The Scottish Manufacturing Action Plan was launched last week as part of the government and Scottish Enterprise support for the manufacturing industry. More details here.