The strategy builds on earlier commitments, including the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, outlining a vision for Scotland to become a “net zero and nature positive nation”.
It frames the circular economy not only as an environmental priority but as a key economic driver. Zero Waste Scotland estimated that circular activity already contributes more than £7 billion annually to Scotland’s economy.
Priority sectors in the Circular Economy Strategy
Five priority sectors have been identified:
- Built environment
- Energy infrastructure
- Textiles
- Transport
- Food system
These sectors were selected based on their environmental impact, resource use and potential contribution to net zero.
Sector-specific roadmaps are expected to be developed within a year, setting out interventions and investment priorities.
Ciaran McGuigan, CEO of Zero Waste Scotland, commented on the Strategy: “As Scotland’s circular economy public body, we welcome the practical, tangible focus set out through this strategy.
“Global risks continue to expose the fragility of traditional supply chains and it’s clearer than ever that a circular economy offers Scotland a logical, powerful route to national resilience and sustainable prosperity.
“Through it we can keep materials in use for as long as possible thereby reducing vulnerability, encouraging investment, strengthening local economies, and sparking place‑based innovation.”
Product stewardship and material targets
Alongside sectoral action, the strategy introduces a strengthened product stewardship approach.
Priority products include packaging, electrical equipment (WEEE), batteries, end-of-life vehicles and fishing gear. Textiles, mattresses and furniture are also picked out as focus areas, because of their high carbon impact and reuse potential.
Notably, plastics – previously criticised as underrepresented in the draft strategy – are now explicitly addressed through this product-based approach.
Environmental groups including Friends of the Earth Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful also called for clear, measurable targets to reduce overall material consumption in response to the draft.
While the final strategy does not include specific reduction targets, it commits to developing targets by 2027 as part of the monitoring framework.
