The release was originally slated for Autumn 2025 but was subsequently pushed back to “early 2026” and later “Spring 2026”.
It seems the plan is now due to be released in Summer 2026, but the government department has not committed to a date.
Frustration has been mounting over the delay, with 50 organisations writing to the government in early May to call for the release of the delayed plan.
Signatories included the CIWM, the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Suez Recycling and Recovery UK, Biffa, Veolia, INCPEN, IKEA and Virgin Media O2.
Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the ESA, one of the letter’s signatories, 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.”
Some industry sources have heard that the plan may be released in June, but this has not been confirmed by officials.
It is possible that the government will aim to release the plan ahead of summer recess, which runs from 17 July to 31 August 2026.
Circular Economy Strategy
The Circular Economy Growth Plan is based on the work of the Circular Economy Taskforce.
The Taskforce was established in December 2024 to design the first framework for England’s transition to a circular economy.
Chaired by Andrew Morlet, former Chief Executive of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the group was tasked with developing sector-specific “roadmaps” for reforming material use and supply chains.
The taskforce identified six priority sectors where circular principles could deliver the most significant environmental and economic gains:
- Agri-food
- Chemicals and plastics
- Construction
- Textiles
- Transport
- WEEE
Each roadmap will include specific actions, timelines, and policy recommendations to drive circularity within the sector.
In the announcement of the priority areas, then Defra Secretary Steve Reed said that the government vows to “end throwaway culture” and “make reuse and repair the norm”.
Morlet said at the time: “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.
“I welcome the vision set out by the Environment Secretary at this critical juncture in our journey.
“Our taskforce will bring together industry, academic and policy experts with central and local government to ensure we maximise its potential fully by creating jobs, increasing resource efficiency and accelerating the path to net zero.”
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