The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is urging policymakers across the UK to put British businesses at the heart of sustainability and waste reduction plans. 

Among the recommendations in the BCC’s Circular Economy report: 

• The Government’s Circular Economy roadmap should be published as soon as possible, with a clear focus on innovation and design-led skills. 

• A more place-based approach should be adopted to drive forward progress, building on successful regional schemes.  

• The UK and devolved governments should ensure regular and extensive consultation with the business community on zero-waste policies.  

• The Government should improve access to innovation funding for SMEs to help them embed circular approaches in their organisation. 

• A review of how procurement, supply chains and planning can be strengthened to support the circular economy.  

The report examines the existing policy framework and future plans across all four nations of the UK, and highlights some of the challenges SMEs are facing. BCC research last month showed only 38% of SMEs have a recycling target in place. But the report underlines the real benefits to business of a circular economy, including maximising the value of waste streams and reduced costs.  

The report says a successful circular economy is one “which creates the conditions where economic growth and environmental benefits are achieved in parallel”. 

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: 

“SMEs are the lifeblood of the economy and they must be front and centre in driving forward a more sustainable future.   

“We’re saying to policymakers, in all four corners of the UK, that they need to work in partnership with business to develop our circular economy. We need strategies that empower and enable firms, of all shapes and sizes, to cut waste in every aspect of their operations.  

“In some of our great cities we already see fantastic examples of the circular economy making a real difference to business and the environment.  

“The way forward is clear. We need strategies that prioritise local solutions, enhance supply chains and promote innovation. Our amazing SMEs will then have the tools to fully develop our circular economy.” 

Alison McCrae, Senior Director at Glasgow Chamber of Commerce said:  

“According to Ellen McArthur Foundation research, the essential shift to renewables and energy efficiencies represents 55% of the solution to achieve net zero.  

“The remaining 45% will largely be down to transitioning to a circular economy where we redress how we use materials, make products and food.  

“There is a huge opportunity to stimulate economic growth by creating the right enabling conditions for businesses -and especially our SMEs – to innovate, maximising the value of materials, both within businesses and supply chains through cross sector collaboration.  

“Redesigning systems and how we make products, so there is no residual waste from the start, will also generate high-value design-led jobs particularly through advanced remanufacturing, engineering, built environment and technology sectors.  

“Our well-established Circular Glasgow work has focused on innovation and future proofing businesses from the outset and there are many great business examples in our city region.” 

Ben Goodwin, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment: 

“It’s imperative that the UK’s economy is put onto a circular footing. Our throw away approach to how we manufacture and consume goods is causing untold damage to the natural environment, which simply isn’t sustainable. 

“Engaging the business community in this challenge is key if we are going to make rapid progress and the BCC’s report succinctly makes this case, whilst putting forward several practical policy recommendations that can help catalyse the shift.”