Circular Economy - debunking the myths

Our Five Year Plan outlines a vision to establish the South as a place that embraces innovation, efficiency and a circular economy approach.

In a new blog, our Circular Economy Adviser Lauren Doyle debunks some of the myths around the model and why in fact it can be hugely beneficial to both your business and the environment…

Despite the circular economy being recognised as a vital approach for the future of our planet, only 1.3% of Scotland’s economy was deemed circular in 2022.? ??

Why is this??

One of the reasons maybe a series of myths which have built up around circular economy, which are worth examining further to highlight that these are in fact opportunities, not threats, to your business.???

Myth 1 – ‘Businesses are circular or not circular’?

Often the idea of becoming a circular business is seen as an either/or choice, between being ‘circular’ or not ‘circular’.???

The reality is that adopting circularity does not require a complete transformation of business, but rather a journey of small steps which can result in quick wins and savings along the way.??

To simplify this, a new Zero Waste Scotland report has moved away from the overarching (and often overwhelming) reference to the circular economy, and focuses on Circular Economy Practices (CEPs).??

This reference to practices highlights circular adoption as an ongoing approach to improve efficiencies – as should be at the core of all business planning – and not a final destination.?

To make things even easier, the report provides four questions to ask which can help identify how to get started on moving towards circularity:?

• Can we use less??

• Can we use it for longer??

• Can we use it again??

• Can we use more regenerative materials??

Myth 2 – ‘Change is risky’?

Becoming more circular doesn’t mean drastically changing overnight.??

Identifying where to reduce waste, optimise materials and processes, and maximise efficiency should continually be considered as part of an ongoing process including colleagues, partners, and customers.?

Having recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, Dumfries-based Clark Engineering , is an example where circularity isn’t just a nice idea, but a vital component in ensuring business resilience and legacy.???

Through designing for longevity, Clark Engineering ensures products last - keeping materials in use, at their highest value for as long as possible.

This ethos has allowed them to expand into multiple countries, retain staff, support their local community, and develop new ways to innovate – most recently through investment in a custom-built design centre.??

Myth 3 – ‘The business case isn’t clear’?

Not only does the circular economy help to tackle some of the major ongoing crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and dwindling resources, but it also makes business sense.??

Circular business advantage refers to the value created by adopting CEPs.

This relates not only to improved resource efficiency, but where businesses can create valuable input for either others in the economy, or within their own business to create economic savings or new income opportunities.?

Dumfries-based Polymer Extrusion Technologies (UK) have recognised the economic opportunity for re-circulating problematic waste through the value chain.??

With some support from SOSE, the company have stopped over 100 million plastic bottles from ending up in the world’s oceans and waterways as well as reducing the need for new materials by turning the collected plastics into new packaging which can be used in many household plastic products.??

Myth 4? - ‘Business as usual is more cost-effective’?

While this was previously the case, the passing of the Circular Economy Bill (Scotland) seeks to remedy this imbalance.?

This will benefit companies such as Farne Salmon who, in trying to find solutions to rising costs from the incoming Extended Producer Responsibility Tax changed their packaging to include recycled content suitable for food applications.??

In doing this, Farne found financial and material savings across the business and accelerated an appetite for even more circular solutions and savings moving forward.?

Myth 5 – ‘There is nowhere to get trusted information and support to get started’?

Since 2022, Zero Waste Scotland and South of Scotland Enterprise have been working in a landmark partnership to accelerate the transition to a circular economy throughout the South of Scotland.?

The partnership brings together both organisation’s support offerings to provide circular economy expertise aligned with existing SOSE business support.?

This support has led to a number of success stories such as:?

• Market reviews for e-bike technology?

• Funding support for new digital technology to streamline second-hand clothes distribution?

• Identification of partners for reuse of waste streams, from brewing to agriculture to fashion.???

So the information and support is there, with SOSE and ZWS good places to start on your circular economy journey.???