Conclusions
1. Current
taxation laws do not reward companies that take a circular economy
approach, with its associated environmental benefits, and risk
locking the economy on a linear path. As pressure on resources
will continue to increase, taxation policy should incentivise
products that are designed to have a lower environmental impact
and support greater repair and re-use. (Paragraph 27)
2. The current producer
responsibility schemes fail to incentivise or reward companies
that design products with their end-of-life in mind. In addition,
aspects of the wider regulatory framework for waste can prevent
businesses re-using materials or products. (Paragraph 33)
3. A circular economy
would be supported by a more consistent national approach to household
recycling collections. This would maximise recycling of a wide
range of materials, and ensure consistent messaging and on-pack
advice labels on products. (Paragraph 39)
4. The 'Waste Duty
of Care', or 'eDoc', is an important initiative to improve the
quality of information about the resources contained in waste.
It will help businesses and Government better identify opportunities
for maximising the value of these materials and plan future investments.
(Paragraph 42)
5. The Green Investment
Bank can play an important role in the transition towards a more
circular economy, particularly where infrastructure development
for innovative technologies is held back by a lack of finance.
(Paragraph 45)
6. Re-using products
or re-manufacturing components is an efficient way of using existing
materials. There are a variety of barriers that limit their potential,
however, including perceptions of the quality of re-used products,
and formal acceptance of re-manufacturing as of equal status as
new products. (Paragraph 55)
7. The Government,
through WRAP, has taken some steps to promote a more circular
economy through Government procurement. (Paragraph 58)
8. Reducing the dependency
on primary resource use for economic growth is an essential part
of moving to a more sustainable economic system. Some businesses
are showing real leadership and innovation to adjust their business
models and become more resource efficient. However, the Government
must do more to ensure that the right conditions are in place
so that many more businesses shift from a linear approach to a
circular one. Targets for resource productivity could provide
an important tool for delivering the necessary change by showing
businesses that Government is committed to supporting the changes
required. The European Commission's proposals to achieve a 70%
recycling target by 2030 could do much to promote innovation.
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