A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland - Report to Parliament on Consultation Responses

Policy Mechanisms

Consultation Feedback:

• 73% either agreed or strongly agreed with the policy mechanisms.
• Respondents supported the range of measures being proposed, and felt they were comprehensive, reflected the key levers available, and provided a good framework.
• However, some felt these relied too heavily on voluntary mechanisms, and they felt they needed to be stronger and include legally binding regulations, mandatory requirements and enforcement measures in order to compel change.
• Campaign and environmental Non-Governmental Organisation responses mentioned the importance of due diligence and argued for greater regulation of businesses. They also argued that behaviour change is not appropriate as it puts the emphasis on the consumer rather than on the system and businesses.

Changes Made:

• In terms of stronger mechanisms, later sections within the strategy on product stewardship in particular address consultation respondents’ concerns.
• 'Due diligence’ has been added as a stand-alone policy mechanism, together with an associated priority that makes direct reference to human rights. Further detail was added about activity happening under this mechanism.
• The narrative for individual policy mechanisms has been amended to take account of specific comments received.
• The ‘behaviour change’ mechanism has been expanded to more clearly recognise the need for systems change.