Government outlines key industries for circular economy support

England’s Circular Economy Taskforce (CET) will focus on reducing waste in the textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemical and plastics sectors.

Environment Secretary Steve Reed announced that these five areas will form the basis for sector-specific roadmaps aimed at transforming how critical industries in the UK manage materials and reduce the demand for virgin resources.

The taskforce’s efforts will be supported by a Circular Economy Strategy, set to be published this autumn, to provide businesses with greater investment certainty as they transition to more circular practices.

This week in London, Reed outlined the CET’s initial priorities to representatives from companies and organisations such as Mace, Jaguar Land Rover, the Food and Drink Federation, and the Environmental Services Association.

The CET will collaborate with industry experts to promote reuse and repair as standard practices. Reed emphasised that moving towards a circular economy is crucial for improving recycling rates and reducing waste sent to landfills or incinerators. He described Britain as a “throwaway society” and stressed the need for a shift to more sustainable practices.

Reed stated, “Transitioning to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow, and lead globally. This shift will help us reduce waste, strengthen supply chains, cut carbon emissions, create jobs, and increase business profitability.”

In his speech, Reed highlighted the government’s plans for circularity, focusing on long-term policies for the five priority areas. This includes protecting the battery supply for electrifying the UK’s vehicle fleet, supporting the plastics reprocessing sector, and harnessing new technologies to repurpose materials instead of burning them.

The UK will also explore chemical recycling plants in Europe to find innovative solutions for repurposing plastic film materials. Reed mentioned the construction sector’s role in the government’s commitment to building 1.5 million new homes, aiming to rethink material supply to reduce costs and carbon emissions.

Other initiatives include expanding the industry-led Textiles 2030 voluntary agreement to minimise the environmental impact of textile production.

Andrew Morlet, chair of the CET, expressed optimism about achieving the taskforce’s ambitious goals. He welcomed the environment secretary’s vision and emphasised the importance of collaboration between industry, academia, and government to maximise the potential of a circular economy.

Libby Peake, a taskforce member and head of resource policy at the Green Alliance, highlighted the need for systemic change to reduce waste. She pointed out that waste is ingrained in the current economic system, causing environmental degradation and economic instability, and adding costs to businesses.