Circular economy strategy is a welcome step forward but lacks action on plastics crisis

Environmental campaigners have said the draft circular economy strategy published by the Scottish Government is “a welcome step” towards a fairer and more sustainable future for all, but calls on the Scottish Government to make sure the final strategy
focuses more on practical solutions and includes plans to tackle the plastic crisis
and the harmful health impacts of materials.

Kim Pratt, Senior Circular Economy Campaigner for Friends of the Earth Scotland said:  

“The draft circular economy strategy is a welcome step towards a fairer and more sustainable future for all. Transforming how we use materials is a vital part of fighting climate breakdown and making the way materials are used fairer for everyone. 

“The draft strategy includes many important elements of building a strong circular economy for Scotland, such as committing to reduce the amount of resources extracted from nature and putting the needs of communities and workers at the heart of plans for change. 

“However, it is not without significant gaps, which must be filled if the final version of the plan is to be meaningful. There is not a single mention of plastics, despite growing concern about the plastics crisis both in Scotland and internationally.  

“The greatest gap is the failure to consider how a circular economy can reduce the health impacts of harmful materials such as microplastics, heavy metals and forever chemicals. The Scottish Government has ignored the overwhelming scientific evidence that pollution from these materials are harming our health. 

“The strategy must focus more on practical solutions, such as setting out how to improve access to reuse and repair services to all communities in Scotland. From toys to fishing gear, the producers of many different types of products must be made to pay for the cleanup of the products they sell.”