Authors: Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and Circle Economy
Date Published: June 2016
Why did we conduct this research?
The circular economy is a radical solution that advocates a fundamental change in our current economic system, reducing the environmental burden on the planet. This report provides an analysis of Glasgow, which shows that healthcare, education and manufacturing sectors are the three most crucial sectors in initiating a path towards a circular economy. Besides a theoretical analysis, the report provides a spatial analysis which identifies important players and locations that need to be involved in the transition towards a circular economy.
Key Findings
A growing world population, combined with the finite supply of resources, will lead to scarcity and strong price fluctuations. More and more companies are, therefore, opting for the transition to a circular economy. Including companies in this transition phase is therefore important.
In order to switch to a circular economy model it is vital to identify and initiate change in areas where there is strong political and economic support.
The food and beverage industry, a sub-sector of manufacturing, is one of the biggest consumers of resources and one of the largest waste producers and should therefore be included in the early stages of transformation towards a circular economy.
Business owners and managers need to adopt new business models to capture the benefits of a circular economy.
Circular strategies will require investment in new technologies, innovations or learning to operate in a new and more complex environment.
Solid preparation is needed in order to support the transition from circular innovations to implementing action plans with sustainable results.
Reference
Glasgow Chamber of Commerce (2016) Circular Glasgow: a vision and action plan for the city of Glasgow. Circle Economy, Amsterdam.
https://www.circle-economy.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/circular-glasgow-report-web-low-res.pdf
