Circular Economy

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, we are changing the demand profile on many materials. But at the same time, as the world population rises, resulting in an ever increasing demand for energy and products which puts increasing pressure on materials (and their supply chains), we are also generating more and more ‘waste’.

We believe that all sectors can play a role in enabling the transition to a more circular economy. Recent activity includes (among many others):

  • Developing a Capability Map for the key process technologies required to convert alternative feedstocks into chemical products.
  • An ongoing programme of workshops, awareness raising and scoping activity around Remanufacturing.
  • UK Circular Plastics Network (UKCPN), a dedicated community around the sustainable use of plastics.

We are working with organisations across the UK, from large companies and SMEs to start-ups and researchers, up, down and across supply chains to accelerate this transition.

Get in touch if you have a circular economy challenge, or if you are a developer or provider of enabling technologies, solutions or expertise.

Our Experts

Related Opportunities

Battery Investment Readiness Programme 2025

Opens: 27/05/2025   Closes: 31/07/2025

Apply now to be part of the Battery Investment Readiness Programme for 2025. Innovate UK Business Connect will select up to 15 SMEs to join the programme to accelerate their investment journey.

More Information

Horizon Europe 2025 work programme Cluster 5: Climate, Energy and Mobility

Opens: 03/05/2025   Closes: 17/02/2026

Topics available under Horizon Europe’s Cluster 5 programme for 2025/26, with up to €69m available for the largest single projects

More Information

Circular Critical Materials Supply Chains (CLIMATES) Investment Readiness Programme 2025

Opens: 05/06/2025   Closes: 31/07/2025

Innovate UK Business Connect are delighted to open our 2025 programme for up to 15 SMEs in the Critical Materials space who are seeking to accelerate their investment raise.

More Information

Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Construction Impacts

Opens: 14/07/2025   Closes: 27/08/2025

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop the impact validation of a demonstrated resource efficiency solution.

More Information

Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Chemicals Impacts

Opens: 14/07/2025   Closes: 27/08/2025

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop the impact validation of a demonstrated resource efficiency solution.

More Information

Contracts for Innovation: Resource Efficient Automotive Impacts

Opens: 14/07/2025   Closes: 27/08/2025

Organisations can apply for a share of up to £3 million, inclusive of VAT, to develop the impact validation of a demonstrated resource efficiency solution.

More Information

Related Events and Recordings

Wed
16
Jul
2025

Materials & Manufacturing Show and Tell Series

12.00 - 13.00 BST | Online

Register for this series
Thu
19
Sep
2024

Global Research and Innovation in Plastics Sustainability Conference 2024 (GRIPS 2024)

09.00 - 16.30 | Sheffield / Online

Watch now
Thu
13
Feb
2025

The Challenge of Textiles Circularity

14.30 - 15.45 | Online

Watch now
See all events

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Innovate UK Global Alliance Africa has launched a groundbreaking initiative to promote sustainable practices in Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry. The UK-Nigeria Circular Fashion Global Innovation Network aims to catalyse a revolutionary transformation by adopting circular fashion principles and innovations.

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A project to extract rare minerals and elements from the plumes of a volcano, and another to extract them from mining waste, are among 9 innovation partnerships that have been awarded £3.5 million of funding from Innovate UK.

 

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