Exploring the societal impacts of the circular economy within specific cities & regions of Scotland

• The research was conducted using an extensive literature review along with interviewing businesses from Highlands and Islands, Dundee, Glasgow and South of Scotland.
• Stakeholders across the four specified geographic areas emphasised the importance of reducing waste, generating revenue through second-hand sales, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration within organisations.
• These findings underscore the potential of Circular Economy Practices (CEPs) to drive efficiency, profitability, and environmental stewardship in businesses/organisations and institutions across Scotland.
• While acknowledging the relatively small number of stakeholders interviewed from each location, these findings indicate a varied perception of the organisational and wider societal benefits of circular economy practices across different regions in Scotland.
• This emphasises the need for tailored strategies and collaborative efforts to fully leverage the potential of circular economy.

Key Points:

• The research aim was to identify the societal benefits of circular economy practices in Scotland and thereby inform policies and interventions.
• Both organisational and wider societal benefits were identified by the place-based stakeholders we interviewed, and it is interesting to look at the specific findings from each location.
• At the organisational level, findings indicate that circular economy practices can offer tangible benefits such as cost savings, economic growth, and enhanced employee engagement and retention.
• On a wider societal level, CEPs contribute to broader economic, social, and environmental goals, promoting community empowerment, social cohesion, and job and volunteering opportunities.