CIWM says Scotland’s Circular Economy Strategy is a “thoughtful and pragmatic vision”
CIWM has welcomed the Scottish Circular Economy strategy launched yesterday as a thoughtful and pragmatic vision to shape and drive Scotlands progress on this agenda.
“There are lots of sound ideas and challenging proposals here, from the food waste prevention target and the review of the rural exemption, which was called for by CIWM Scotland Centre, through to the commitment to revisit and expand the role of Producer Responsibility and the focus on skills,” says CIWM Scotland Centre vice-chair Nicki Souter. “The strategy acknowledges that some of these ideas are intended to stimulate debate and the Scottish waste and resources sector and CIWM Scotland Centre will want to engage and ensure that this is the beginning of a collaborative effort to achieve the goals set out.”
Commenting on the breadth of the strategy, CIWM chief executive Steve Lee says:
“Importantly, the strategy covers both ‘push’ and ‘pull’ mechanisms, acknowledging the role of the full supply chain in both capturing and capitalising on high quality recyclates, but with a strong focus too on re-use, remanufacturing and procurement. The emphasis on improving measurement methods, data reliability and quality is also encouraging and CIWM strongly supports the intention included in the strategy to move towards making the use of the electronic duty of care (edoc) system mandatory for waste.
“And without wishing to labour a point made repeatedly by many in this sector, it also shows leadership, a government that is prepared to take action and provide funding support where it is in a position to do so.”
The Institution has also welcomed references to bringing all four UK governments together to examine ways forward and the commitment to engagement at European level to influence the details of the EU Circular Economy, including product standards. As a result, this strategy not only provides a tailored blueprint for Scotland at a national level but also acknowledges the need for wider collaboration and action to maximise the economic and environmental opportunities that are on offer.
The full strategy document can be found here.
