Bridging the Gap: Circular Economy Takes Centre Stage in Scottish Economic Development
At a recent event hosted by the Economic Development Association Scotland (EDAS) in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), thought leaders gathered to spotlight a challenge and thus realise a key opportunity: the disconnect between circular economy practices and traditionality as regards some economic development strategies in Scotland.
Chaired by EDAS’s Neil McInroy, the meeting explored how a fuller integration of circular principles into the heart of economic policy and economic development activity can promote sustainable growth while tackling pressing social issues such as child poverty and inequality. Speakers outlined three key motivations for the discussion: the often practical divide between economic and environmental initiatives – with circular economy often wrongly seen as a cost and burden to business, Scotland’s transition from fossil fuels to a sustainable economy, and a call to refocus the economy to serve society and the planet.
Iain Gulland of Zero Waste Scotland highlighted the country’s 1.3% material reuse rate—one of the lowest globally—pointing to untapped potential for job creation and economic growth through better resource management. With the Circular Economy Act, Community Wealth Building and the Green Industrial Strategy providing a supportive policy backdrop and drive, the conversation turned to how more joined-up thinking and systems-level change could unlock real progress.
Practical examples brought the concept to life, including sustainable innovations in construction, renewable energy component reuse, and NHS plastic reprocessing. The event concluded with a strong call to action. Whilst recognising hard choices and at times overly polarised debate, there is a pressing need for stakeholders to embrace the opportunities, and to collaborate, innovate, and lead, to make Scotland’s circular economy ambitions a reality.