Beyond Recycling: Meet the Pioneers creating Pathways to a Circular Economy in the UK

As the climate urgency grows, the linear “make and waste” model is being challenged by a new wave of thinkers, makers, and doers in the UK.

These circular economy pioneers are taking things much further than traditional recycling — they’re reimagining product design, transforming business models, and viewing waste as a valuable resource. Instead of just managing waste, they’re preventing it from ever being created, all while shaping a future that’s truly regenerative.

What’s Driving the Change Towards a Circular Economy?

The shift to a circular economy is being driven by a combination of environmental, economic, social, and policy factors.

Rising Environmental Pressures like resource scarcity, crowded landfills, and climate change are driving businesses and governments to reconsider traditional linear models. Meanwhile, the economic benefits — such as new revenue opportunities, cost reductions, and job creation in repair, reuse, and recycling sectors — are making circular models more appealing than ever.

Consumer Demand is also playing a huge role, with growing awareness and interest in sustainability, ethical sourcing, and zero-waste living.

Technology is driving transformation through innovations like digital product passports, smart tracking systems, and new materials. Coupled with evolving government policies, these technological advancements are pushing the circular economy forward in a positive and impactful way.

Meet the innovators who are proving that a circular economy isn’t just possible – it’s already happening

Alliance for Sustainable Building Products (ASBP): ASBP are “leading the transformation  to a healthy low carbon built environment by championing the understanding and use of demonstrably sustainable building products”

Their recent project recovering steel for reuse from the former Honda factory, saw the ASBP team demolish and and recover steel from several warehouses at Panattoni Park, one of the largest demolition sites in the UK, covering over 370 acres. The overall redevelopment, valued at £700 million, will see the former Honda UK factory in Swindon transformed by Panattoni Group into industrial logistics space.

Waste Experts: Waste experts are playing a crucial role in the transition to a circular economy by helping to shift from traditional waste management to resource recovery and reuse.

Their expertise drives the implementation of strategies that reduce waste generation, improve recycling systems, and design products for longevity and recyclability.

Beyondly: ​Beyondly, a B Corp-certified environmental consultancy, actively promotes the circular economy through their key initiatives.

Through their recent collaboration with digital product innovation partner Supercharge, Beyondly is engaged in the EU-funded CircularPSP project. This initiative unites leading circular economy cities, representing 45 million citizens, to invest €5.64 million in R&D aimed at accelerating the transition towards a circular economy.

Veolia UK: Veolia provides comprehensive waste, water, and energy management solutions.

They advocate for the circular economy by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, aiming to turn waste into valuable resources.

Viridor: A prominent recycling, resource, and waste management company, Viridor is committed to achieving climate-positive operations.

They aim to decarbonize waste treatment processes and utilize carbon capture technologies to manage non-recyclable waste sustainably.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Circular in the UK

The future of the circular economy in the UK is bright, fueled by strong government support, industry innovation, and a growing public demand for sustainability. Policies like deposit return schemes and the establishment of the International Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Resource Management highlight the new government’s commitment to circularity. Although challenges within waste management persist, the UK is on track to lead the way globally in promoting circular solutions, driving economic growth while supporting environmental sustainability.

Across the UK, pioneers are proving that innovation, community, and sustainability can go hand in hand. By moving beyond recycling and rethinking how we design, use, and reuse materials, they’re laying the groundwork for a world where waste is a thing of the past. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, or everyday citizen, there’s a role to play in this movement. The circular economy starts with bold ideas — and even bolder action.

The future of recycling and the circular economy will be key themes of our flagship conference, ReGeneration Earth, happening in Leeds on 18th and 19th June 2025. Secure your tickets today!