The Industrial Strategy White Paper has been published and sets out the Government’s plans for the UK to move towards a regenerative circular economy.
With the UK currently a linear economy, the Strategy states that it poses major risks to the natural capital central and its long-term growth through reduced resources and environmental pollution.
The Strategy sets out Government policy of eventually transitioning towards a more circular economy. This is in the hope of raising productivity through using resources more efficiently, contributing to a better environment though increased measures and supporting long-term growth.
According to the Strategy, the steps to achieve this include:
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A method to infrastructure investment with the objective of regenerating natural capital
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Increasing resource productivity of business, including promoting recycling and strong secondary material markets.
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Partnering with food businesses through the Courtauld Commitment to provide a 20% per capita decrease in food waste by 2025.
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Supporting agriculture through the Strategy Programme Transforming food production, from farm to fork
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Creation of a new Bioeconomy strategy that will plan for growth in this sector to develop new low carbon bio-based products.
It also mentions the aim of strengthening policies to meet national ambitions of zero avoidable waste and doubling resource productivity by 2050.
Environmental Services Association executive director Jacob Hayler said: “ESA is pleased the Industrial Strategy White Paper recognises the importance of maximising the value we extract from our resources. Strengthening markets for secondary materials and encouraging design for recyclability are imperative if we are to move to a circular economy, and we welcome the Government’s commitment to this.”
