The Hidden Value of Unsold Goods
Every day, perfectly good products go unsold, get returned, damaged or simply end up in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The Hidden Value of Surplus
From clothing and furniture to electronics and beauty products, this means businesses can lose money on products that still have value.
Additionally, this would have the key benefit of tackling the environmental impact of unsold goods. By reducing the 80% of Scotland’s carbon footprint linked to the products we buy, use, and dispose of.
The challenge isn't that businesses intentionally set out to create waste. In many cases, they're working within systems that encourage overproduction, fast-moving trends and disposal as the easiest option. As a result, surplus becomes an accepted part of doing business. For example, it is estimated that 56% of consumer clothing and textiles is retained as excess stock or unsold goods in Scotland.
Preventing Surplus Before it Becomes Waste
Our recent series of reports on unsold goods highlights the challenges businesses, supply chains, charities and policymakers face in understanding and managing surplus products. While options such as redistribution, reuse and recycling can help recover value and keep products in circulation, the research found these activities often take place after surplus stock has already been created.
The biggest finding from this research is not how much we know about unsold goods in Scotland, but how much we still don't know. While businesses and organisations across Scotland are managing unsold products every day, there is currently no consistent picture of the scale of the issue or the value being lost. These reports represent an important first step in building that understanding and identifying opportunities to prevent avoidable waste, support circular business models and keep more products in use for longer.
This should not be viewed as a failure, but as an opportunity to start a more informed conversation about unsold goods in Scotland. The research provides an important starting point for understanding where surplus is generated, how it is managed, and where the greatest opportunities exist to prevent waste, retain value and support a more circular economy.
Latest Publications: Unsold Goods
Our recently published reports provide new evidence on the scale, causes and management of surplus goods in Scotland, along with practical opportunities to keep more value in circulation and reduce waste.
Unsold Goods Research Programme: Summary Paper
An overview of the key findings and opportunities identified across our research into unsold goods.
Unsold Consumer Goods in Scotland – Phase 1: Initial insights
Examines the scale of unsold goods in Scotland and where value is being lost across the system.
Read 'Unsold Consumer Goods in Scotland – Phase 1: Initial insights'
Unsold Consumer Goods in Scotland – Phase 2: Insights into textiles, electronics, furniture, and cosmetics and beauty products
Looks at practical opportunities to reduce surplus through better data, collaboration and decision-making of key product areas.
Opportunities and Challenges for the Management of Unsold Goods in Scotland: Third Sector Readiness
Explores the role charities and community organisations play in managing surplus goods and where further opportunities exist.
