Publisher:
Zero Waste Scotland
Alternative Published Date
2026
Category:
Type of Resource:
Report
Length (Pages, words, minutes etc...)
86
Fast Facts
Scottish businesses’ awareness, needs and barriers around the circular economy
More details
- 65% of businesses had heard of the circular economy, but only 44% felt they understood it well.
- 75% felt knowledgeable about circular practices when given practical examples, highlighting confusion around terminology.
- Recycling (95%) and waste reduction (83%) are the most widely adopted actions, while fewer have redesigned products (52%) or implemented resource recovery (45%).
- Less than half (46%) plan to adopt additional circular practices in the next three years.
- Cost savings are the strongest motivator, rated highest among all drivers.
- Lack of funding is the most significant barrier, cited by two‑thirds of businesses.
- Only half of businesses have accessed any support, with smaller firms the least likely to do so.
- Zero Waste Scotland is the most used support provider among those who sought help.
- Circular supply‑chain or customer partnerships remain uncommon, despite strong perceived benefits.
- Businesses fall into four readiness groups: CE‑literate, CE‑curious, CE‑hesitant, and CE‑uninformed.
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