How we're supporting the circular economy

We know the biggest cause of climate change is overconsumption – where society puts too much pressure on earth’s finite resources through our “take, make, waste” economic model.

Zero Waste Scotland works with government, business, and communities to rewire the economy from our current model to one where we make the most of the materials we have. This is known as a circular economy and it’s the right choice if we want to create a more equal and just society for all.

We’re Scotland’s circular economy public body. Since 2014, our work has helped more people understand that the answer to the climate emergency is to consume less. Through an expansive range of projects and programmes, our innovative work has shown that embedding circular practices is as possible as it is essential.

Key areas of our work include...

Our Circular Economy Business Support Service delivers advices and resources for businesses across all sectors in Scotland, that are looking to develop circular economy practices within their business model, in line with their sustainability ambitions.

It’s designed to help companies explore circular economy practices that can result in resource efficiencies, improved profitability, higher quality products, increased customer base and alternative supply chains for your business.

The below video explains how we can help Scottish businesses identify opportunities and embrace the benefits of a circular economy:

Zero Waste Scotland works in partnership with Chambers of Commerce in four areas, as part of its Circular Cities and Regions programme, to deliver a tailored programme of business engagement to identify and exploit the key sectors and businesses for circular growth.

Zero Waste Scotland is investigating new and innovative ways to conserve materials and to cycle materials and products efficiently back into supply chains and the economy.

Zero Waste Scotland was a key partner in a transnational circular economy procurement project called ProCirc.  

This three-year project is part-funded by the eco-innovation strand of the European Union North Sea Region Interreg Programme.

If we are to progress to a net-zero economy, people at all levels and in all sectors will need to learn to think differently. The type of skills and knowledge needed will be diverse but achieving them will allow businesses to grow, innovate, and compete internationally and public services to improve. 

Zero Waste Scotland is working with education to deliver key government policy and influencing programmes to develop Scotland's future workforce.

The Climate Action Hub is a free e-learning resource, developed by Scottish Business Climate Collaboration (SBCC) partners and delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, to help your business save money, better understand the climate crisis and win new business and potential funding through taking action to reduce emissions. 

The Hub features resources, including 12 e-learning modules on topics ranging from entry-level climate science to carbon emissions related to business practices. 

Users of the platform will also have free access to a dashboard to track carbon literacy across their organisation and the tools to calculate their own carbon baseline and develop a carbon reduction plan.