Following a successful, competitive pitch against other nations, Scotland has been chosen to host the Circular Economy Hotspot, described as a unique international trade mission highlighting sustainable innovation and expertise. The event takes place from 30 October to 1 November 2018, and the organisers say it is expected to attract around 300 of the world’s leading decision-makers, trade representatives, investors and circular economy entrepreneurs.
Following large-scale inaugural events in the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Circular Economy Hotspot Scotland follows global recognition at the World Economic Forum, where Scotland received the award for Circular Economy Nations and Regions in the high-profile Circulars Awards last year.
The event is expected to include visits to pioneering businesses and workshops led by some of the country’s foremost names in circular economy policy and innovation. There will also be unique networking opportunities for delegates, with potential to foster new connections between Scotland and Europe within the circular economy landscape.
Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, said:
“Scotland is right at the forefront of exciting circular economy developments, from our intention to introduce a deposit return scheme to our transformative investment in innovative circular economy businesses. We also have some of the most ambitious targets in Europe driving circularity, with a vision to reduce food waste by 33% by 2025, and for 70% of waste to be recycled by the same year.
“Hosting the Circular Economy Hotspot in 2018 represents a unique forum for us to showcase all we have achieved so far as a nation, and all we mean to do. It’s an occasion to recognise success, and share knowledge with the best and brightest from across the globe to accelerate the circular future we all want to see.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said:
“For Scotland to be selected to host the third Circular Economy Hotspot is a fantastic achievement. Not only will the Hotspot offer an unrivalled opportunity to share experiences with world-leading experts across a variety of sectors, it also demonstrates to those early-adopters of the circular economy in Scotland that their efforts are contributing to a truly revolutionary shared goal.
“We know that across Europe, shifting towards a more circular economy could generate £1.4trillion of annual benefits by 2030 – that’s a huge scale of opportunity. The Scottish Government and key partners, including Zero Waste Scotland, are working to ensure Scotland achieves the maximum environmental, social and economic benefits of a more circular economy, and attracting prestigious events like this to are testament to that hard work.
The event will be partnering with Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, who will be hosting a Circular Glasgow showcase as part of the proceedings.
The Scottish Government has placed the circular economy at the core of Scotland’s Economic Strategy and Manufacturing Action Plan, and its Making Things Last strategy highlights priority areas with the greatest opportunity to deliver economic, environmental and social benefits.
Scotland’s circular economy achievements to date include flourishing collaboration between business and academia through the Scottish Institute for Remanufacture; three large-scale re-use hubs transforming economies of scale in re-use and repair; and widespread support for Scottish businesses to develop circular economy models and services, including through the £18million Circular Economy Investment Fund.
The £18million Circular Economy Investment Fund, administered by Zero Waste Scotland, offers investment for SMEs based in Scotland and supports work that will deliver circular economy growth. It is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the £73million Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Accelerator Programme.
For more information, or to register an interest in the event go to www.circulareconomyhotspot.scot
