Environment Secretary Steve Reed will set out how the UK Government will support the nation’s transition to a circular economy in a speech to industry leaders later today.
Speaking at the Dock Shed in London, Reed will unveil a new plan to transform the nation’s economy by reducing waste across industry.
The Environment Secretary will also set out how the UK Government will provide direction for businesses to plan and “spearhead” the nation’s transition to a circular economy.
Industry leaders, including the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), and Jaguar Land Rover, will be in attendance.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) says Reed will underline how transitioning to a circular economy is “essential” for delivering real change in communities across the country.
It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society – the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable.
Commenting ahead of the speech, Reed said: “It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society – the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable.
“Moving to a circular economy is a pivotal moment for British businesses to innovate, grow and lead the world, so we can slash waste and strengthen supply chains.”
Last year, the government announced the members of the new Circular Economy Taskforce.
An independent advisory group comprising experts and leaders from various sectors, the Taskforce key objectives are to identify and assess mechanisms that can underpin a Circular Economy Strategy for England.
The government has now confirmed the first five priority sectors that the Taskforce will focus on – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics.
Defra said the sectors were chosen after the Taskforce found they had the best potential to generate major economic gains while protecting the environment and delivering net zero.
Andrew Morlet, chair of the Circular Economy Taskforce, said the Taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to create jobs, increase resource efficiency and accelerate the path to net zero.
“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,” Morlet said.
The Taskforce is now set to work with the five priority sectors to create a series of specific roadmaps to improve and reform the approach to using materials, as well as a Circular Economy Strategy which will be published in Autumn.
Defra says both the roadmaps and Strategy will give businesses certainty to plan and the confidence to build and invest in new infrastructure.
The opportunity is clear to facilitate waste prevention, reuse and repair at scale, underpinned by higher recycling rates.
Speaking after attending the speech, Dan Cooke, CIWM’s Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, said the Institution looks forward to more engagement with the Taskforce to support its “vital work”.
Cooke said the resources and waste sector will be part of the “bedrock” of a more circular economy.
“The opportunity is clear to facilitate waste prevention, reuse and repair at scale, underpinned by higher recycling rates,” Cooke said.
“A more circular UK economy will bring jobs, skills and sustainable growth for our sector and the others we work with.”
Cooke also emphasised the importance of implementing reforms, such as Carriers, Brokers and Dealers regs and Digital Waste Tracking, to “make sure we can walk before we run”.
