A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland

Ministerial Foreword

In 2016 Scotland published its first Circular Economy Strategy, ‘Making Things Last’.

The strategy placed Scotland at the forefront of thinking in this field. Since then, Scotland has cut the amount of waste we produce and has decreased the amount we send to landfill to the lowest levels on record. We have introduced a ban on the manufacture and supply of certain single-use plastic items and we were the first country in the UK to commit to action to ban single-use vapes.

It is estimated that circular activity already contributes over £4 billion to Scotland’s economy. To deliver our vision, we are determined that this figure will continue to grow. A robust and successful circular economy must be a central pillar in driving Scotland’s innovation and growth towards a sustainable future.

A more circular economy provides an opportunity to strengthen our economy by opening up new business opportunities, improving productivity, saving money and insulating us from global supply chain shocks. I have seen for myself the improvements that a more circular economy can bring to local communities. There are initiatives all over Scotland which provide employment opportunities and save people and companies money by focusing on reuse and repair.

Reducing waste is not just an economic opportunity it is also part of being a responsible global citizen. We must ensure that the overall impact of our consumption as a nation does not exceed our fair share of what our planet can sustain. The world has changed significantly since 2016, we are in the midst of climate and nature emergencies and the world is fraught with greater geopolitical instability than ever. At a time where there is a vastly increased demand for critical materials we must use our resources ever more wisely and sustainably. The Circular Economy Strategy sets out our vision and outcomes for Scotland up to 2045, focusing on the policy mechanisms, priority sectors and products where we can have the most impact to shift Scotland’s consumption patterns.

Together with the Climate Change Plan, the Environment Strategy and the Circular Economy and Waste Route Map, and underpinned by our landmark Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, this Circular Economy Strategy sets out how we will build a more sustainable future with all the benefits that brings. I look forward to working with private, public and third sectors to deliver it together.