A report launched by Zero Waste Scotland in partnership with the University of Stirling has identified key challenges that must be addressed for Scotland to achieve a more circular economy. The report, titled Scotland's Circular Economy Practices Ecosystem, uses a systems-thinking approach to explore how the structure of Scotland's economy influences business operations and decisions. It reveals that the current economic environment in Scotland is not conducive to the widespread adoption of circular economy practices, with several interconnected barriers reinforcing linear economic models. These barriers include a lack of understanding of circular economy practices within the financial community and a failure to recognise the broader environmental and social costs of traditional production and consumption patterns. 

The report provides actionable insights aimed at fostering a more circular economy in Scotland. It emphasises the need for coordinated action across businesses, households, and government to drive change, suggesting that small, incremental steps towards circularity can gradually transform business models. The research underscores the importance of a holistic approach, where progress in one area of the economy can facilitate advancements in others, creating positive feedback loops that support sustainability. The full report, which offers strategic recommendations for overcoming these barriers, is available on the Zero Waste Scotland website.