The letter, addressed to Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, warns that continued uncertainty risks undermining business confidence and slowing progress towards a more resource-efficient UK economy.
Originally scheduled for publication in Autumn 2025, the plan was subsequently pushed back to “early 2026” and later “Spring 2026”.
With no plan yet released, signatories have asked for a “clear and ambitious signal” from the UK Government.
The letter stated that the plan is needed now to “end uncertainty” and provide companies with “the confidence to invest further, scale up what is already working and accelerate a circular economy transition across our operations.”
Signatories to the letter included CIWM, Environmental Services Association (ESA), Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, Biffa, Veolia, INCPEN, IKEA and Virgin Media O2.
It comes after an open letter was sent to Prime Minister Keir Starmer last week (29 April 2026) similarly urging action on the Growth Plan.
Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the ESA commented: “Continued delay of the Circular Economy Growth Plan risks damaging momentum against the resource efficiency ambitions shared by both industry and government.
“This also perpetuates uncertainty for businesses which, in turn, holds back investment in British jobs and infrastructure.”
Hayler also explained that the sector remains supportive of the government’s ambitions but requires a clear signal to move forward.
‘Frustrating’ delay to Circular Economy Growth Plan
The Circular Economy Growth Plan is expected to set out a roadmap across five priority sectors: textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics.
Each sector roadmap is anticipated to include specific actions, timelines and policy recommendations aimed at embedding circularity principles across the economy.
The growth plan builds on the work of the Circular Economy Taskforce, established in December 2024 and comprising senior figures from across the waste and resources sector, including representatives from Suez, CIWM, WRAP and CPI.
Libby Peake, head of resources at Green Alliance, described the delay as “really frustrating” for both businesses and consumers.
She commented: “At a time when we need every tool in the box to create greater economic resilience, holding back on this transformative plan makes no sense.
“It’s an obvious way to protect business supply chains, stimulate jobs and growth and keep prices down for consumers.
“The government should stop procrastinating and give businesses, the wider economy and the general public something all the evidence shows is needed now.”
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