Issue A UK circular economy easing pressure on primary supply

Summary

The report presents a shift to a circular economy as a positive possibility among its long-term uncertainties. If the UK moved to a circular model with more reuse of materials and higher end-of-life recycling, pressure on primary mineral supply could ease. The report adds that supporting this transition, including through advanced research and development, would also cut waste and energy use. Money has already been put into growing the circular economy so that domestic supply chains for critical minerals become stronger, and a Circular Economy Strategy is being drawn up by Defra. The report cites the low recycling rates of many critical minerals as one of the factors behind supply risk. More reliable supply chains would reduce costs and delays and could speed up net zero projects.