Case studies
See the circular economy in action. Explore inspiring examples of organisations, communities and people creating value, strengthening resilience and making better use of resources.
- Circular Economy
Understanding Business Barriers to the Circular Economy – One Diagram at a Time
In 2023-24, Zero Waste Scotland and the University of Stirling came together to explore a deceptively simple question: what really prevents businesses from adopting circular economy practices?
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- Circular Economy
An International Lens on Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy mechanism that is widely used around the world to make producers accountable for the environmental impacts of their products. In this forward-looking collaboration, Zero Waste Scotland partnered with five international organisations to explore how EPR could evolve.
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- Circular Economy
‘Bringing it All Together’ for a Circular Energy Future
How can we transition to a clean energy system when the technologies we rely on are themselves resource-intensive, difficult to recycle and often designed without end-of-life in mind? This question brought Zero Waste Scotland together with industry and academic experts at the SPEERI Annual Conference 2025.
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- Circular Economy
MiAlgae: Circularity brings a competitive advantage
A chance observation at sea inspired an ambitious plan to supply sustainable omega-3s to the aquaculture and pet food sectors. And now, 10 years on, Edinburgh-based MiAlgae is scaling up – big time.
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- Circular Economy
Rhinowash: Circular thinking is good for the economy
The history of Rhinowash, the industrial pressure washer specialist, may stretch back more than 50 years, yet circularity has always been at the heart of its approach – and is key to its future.
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- Circular Economy
DF Concerts & Events: Turning up the volume on circularity
For the organisers of Glasgow’s TRNSMT Festival, circular thinking is critical to commercial growth. Four key people at DF Concerts & Events explain why their focus on sustainability is building business resilience.
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- Circular Economy
ReSet Scenery: Re-setting the scene in the creative industries
A not-for-profit enterprise in Glasgow is transforming the way that film, theatre and events companies manage their sets. As Simon Cook of ReSet Scenery demonstrates, reusing production materials makes financial as well as environmental sense.
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- Circular Economy
J+S Subsea: You have to prove you're delivering value
Dyce-based engineering firm J+S Subsea may be 60 years old but its Legacy Locker initiative is trailblazing the refurbishment and resale of equipment to oil and gas operators. As the company’s leaders explain, it’s about changing hearts and minds.
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- Circular Economy
Kenoteq: Revolutionary brickwork
The humble brick has barely changed in a thousand years – but now the K-BRIQ, made in East Lothian, presents a recycled, low-carbon alternative, and a compelling business case.
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