Examples of the circular economy in action
There are great examples of companies in Scotland already implementing circular economy principles within their businesses - from product re-design to reverse logistics.
Argent Energy uses waste fats and oils to convert into high grade biodiesel used by vehicles and in heating and/or power generation.
Aurora Sustainability recovers coffee waste and heat from whisky distilleries to produce and supply dry fresh mushrooms. The end product, made entirely from waste, also improves Scottish biodiversity as in terms of CO2 capturing, as mushrooms can increase tree growth three fold
CCL North offer secure IT recycling and refurbishment as well as WEEE recycling. They are currently looking to set up a re-use facility for general WEEE.
CelluComp is a company which turns nano fibres from root vegetables into an environmentally friendly thickener for paint.
Celtic Renewables an innovative start-up company formed to commercialise a process for producing a superior next generation biofuel (and other high value sustainable products) from the by-products of biological industries.
Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture take the by-products of one aquatic species provides food for another in an innovative trial taking place in Loch Fyne.
Ogilvy Spirits is Scotland’s first Potato Vodka producer, making vodka from potatoes not suitable for retail.
OI currently produce around 2 million bottles per day and up to 800 million per annum. They do this using up to 20% recycled flint, 70% recycled green and 25% recycled amber glass.
Peel Tech is a Scottish invention which takes waste from a typical potato peeler separating waste skin and compacting potato starch so that drains are free from waste and peelings can be used for animal feed. The technology is being rolled out across typical “Fish and Chip” shops across Scotland and helps businesses comply with Waste Regulations.
Jaw Brew in partnership with Aulds the Bakers has created a zero waste, low alcohol beer from leftover bread rolls. The “Hard Tack” beer is now available to buy around Glasgow.
Juice upgrades their customers’ lighting to LED by offering a leasing model for LED lighting, based on the concept that a business customer only needs light, but does not need to own the light fixtures and fittings.
Spruce Carpets, a community enterprise, uplift, refurbish, supply, deliver and fit used carpets and carpet tiles for residential, domestic and commercial customers.
Vegware are the only company In the UK to develop, manufacture and distribute a full range of completely compostable food packaging and catering disposables.