More than a third of manufacturers see the circular economy as their main reason for thinking about green technology, according to research.
A survey by membership body Make UK found that 34 per cent of those polled saw progressive waste management as their sustainability investment priority.
This was behind renewable energy and digitalisation but ahead of electrification and transportation.
A Make UK report said embracing circular economy principles could help manufacturers “protect the environment and realise efficiencies”.
It highlighted a scheme by cleaning-equipment supplier Numatic to divert plastic from landfill through practices including remoulding and regrinding its own material.
Eight in 10 British manufacturers are planning to embed green growth in their business plans over the next five years, according to the Make UK poll.
The body’s director of policy Verity Davidge called for tax incentives for firms to invest in technology to make their operations more sustainable.
“At a time when there are calls for the UK to row back on its net zero ambitions, manufacturers are clearly committed to investing in green technologies to make their operations more efficient by reducing costs and cutting emissions,” she said.
