A new nationwide initiative aimed at cutting waste and boosting resource efficiency across the UK economy has officially been launched.

The programme, known as Circularity in Practice, is a voluntary scheme designed to encourage organisations to rethink how materials are designed, used and managed throughout their lifecycle.

With a focus on reuse, high-quality recycling, remanufacturing and repurposing, the initiative seeks to drive practical change across multiple industries.

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Circularity in Practice Launches Across UK

The launch was attended by King Charles III, whose long-standing interest in environmental issues helped inspire the scheme.

Backed by a wide range of organisations, the initiative has already secured 86 signatories.

Founding members include major firms such as Sir Robert McAlpine, JLL, Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, EMR and Tata Steel UK.

The launch event attracted around 150 businesses, including large corporations and regional SMEs.

Edward McAlpine, Chairman and Executive Partner of Sir Robert McAlpine, commented: “We recognise that the transition from a linear to a circular economy is critical for the future of the built environment.

“By prioritising circular design, resource efficiency, and high-value material reuse, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while preserving natural resources.”

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Across Construction, Manufacturing and Waste Management

The initiative is structured around four guiding principles: planning, taking action, collaborating with partners, and sharing progress.

It aims to build momentum by encouraging businesses not only to implement circular practices but also to exchange knowledge and demonstrate tangible results.

The members span a wide range of expertise, including design, construction, materials handling and resource management, alongside companies specialising in reuse and repair.

Rather than focusing on a single material stream, Circularity in Practice takes a broad approach. Priority areas include construction materials, lighting, furniture, fixtures and fittings, as well as everyday household goods and appliances.

Many of these items are often discarded despite retaining value, making them ideal candidates for reuse, refurbishment or recycling.

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Previous Circular Economy Story:

'The UK's Circular Economy Taskforce: A New Chapter in Sustainable Business [03.10.25]'

At the end of 2024, the UK government launched the Circular Economy Taskforce, bringing together experts from industry, academia, and civil society. Their mission? To design a national strategy that helps the UK transition to a circular economy - boosting resource efficiency, improving productivity, and cutting emissions.

The Taskforce will focus on five key sectors:

• Chemicals & Plastics
• Textiles
• Argi-food
• Transport
• Construction

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What Is the Circular Economy?

Put simply, it’s about keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible - through reusing, repairing, and recycling - instead of sending them to landfill. In many cases, one business’s waste can become another’s raw material.

A great example comes from Grimsby, where a pet product manufacturer uses fish by-products from local processing plants to create pet treats. This smart collaboration reduces waste, cuts costs, and lowers emissions.

Read more about it here.

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Why It Matters for Business

A recent study by WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) found that businesses embracing circularity benefit from:

• Cost savings through greater efficiency
• A competitive edge by leading on sustainable change

Explore WRAP's full report here.

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Get Involved

Over the coming months, we’ll be spotlighting businesses that are putting circular economy principles into action. If your organisation is doing something innovative in this space, and you would like to showcase your innovation, we’d love to feature you!

Contact: Alyce.Morris@wastepack.co.uk

The Environment Secretary, Steve Reed, has delivered a speech outlining the next stages of moving towards a circular economy in the UK.

The move is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change”. In his speech, Reed pledged “to end throwaway culture” and “make reuse and repair the norm”.

Central to this plan is the work of the Circular Economy Taskforce. It was confirmed that the Taskforce has identified its first five priority sectors: textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics. The group will now engage with these industries to develop tailored roadmaps aimed at improving and reforming material use.

Reed also stated that the government’s Circular Economy Strategy, set to be published in the autumn, will be supported by these roadmaps.

Concluding his speech, he addressed UK businesses directly: “My ask from you is simple. Please tell the taskforce, and tell me, what you need from us. Then work with us so we can make it happen.”

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The Circular Economy Taskforce

The government established the Circular Economy Taskforce in December 2024 to develop the UK’s first strategy for transitioning to a circular economy. The Taskforce is chaired by Andrew Morlet, former CEO of the Dame Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Morlet said: “Transitioning to a circular economy is an ambitious but crucial goal as this government kickstarts economic growth and turns Britain into a clean energy superpower.

“I welcome the vision set out by the Environment Secretary at this critical juncture in our journey. Our Taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to ensure we maximise its potential fully by creating jobs, increasing resource efficiency and accelerating the path to net zero.”

Libby Peake, head of resource policy at the Green Alliance and a member of the taskforce, added: “Waste is baked into our current economic system and causes us harm on so many levels. It’s degrading our environment and international supply chains to the extent that economic shocks become inevitable. It adds a cost burden to the businesses’ bottom lines and frustrates people who are fed up with shoddy products, blatant waste and litter.

“But as the Environment Secretary outlines today, it really doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s great to hear his vision for how innovative, circular businesses will thrive in the UK in future. It’s an incredible opportunity to help bring about this change as part of the government’s Circular Economy Taskforce.”