The development of a successful circular economy will be essential for securing the sustainability of the retail industry
Building effective systems to improve and increase the collection, recycling, and reuse of waste materials will play an instrumental part in reducing carbon emissions in supply chains and minimising the environmental impact of the millions of goods sold to consumers.
In the coming years the industry will face extensive regulation to promote compliance and drive progress towards a circular economy. These schemes will involve significant resources and costs for your teams, suppliers, and business. The BRC will engage with government and work closely with you to ensure these schemes to reduce waste and recycle and reuse materials are as efficient and effective for retailers as possible.
The BRC works across four different spaces within the circular economy.
- Packaging: An Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme for packaging, a Deposit Return Scheme for single-use drinks containers, single-use plastics legislation, new recycling rules in England and reuse and refill schemes comprise the extensive regulations on packaging entering into force over the coming years. To find out more, contact Naomi Brandon-Bravo.
- Electronics: Future schemes for Waste Electricals and Electronics (WEEE), and batteries are expected to impact retailers in the coming years. To find out more, contact Naomi Brandon-Bravo.
- Textiles & Furniture: Improving the circularity of our clothing, home textiles, and furniture is key to reducing waste, as well as the business models needed to deliver circularity. To find out more, contact Sophie De Salis.
- Food: Reducing the levels of food waste produced by our operations and consumers is essential to promoting circularity and minimising waste. To find out more, contact Sophie De Salis.
Circular Economy Content

BRC sets out priorities in letter to Chancellor ahead of Spending Review

CEO Call Notes | Meeting with the Retail Minister | 4 February 2025

DRS: Your Latest Briefing

Corporate Affairs Community Call notes | January 2025

Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) Meeting Note

A Disruptive Leadership Programme, Not a Traditional Management Course

Development of the DRS DMO

Resources and Waste Update Aug 24

Scottish Single Use Beverage Charge

Update on Resources and Waste Programme July 2024

Reducing Waste

Recycling in Northern Ireland: consultation on recycling rules for businesses and households

BRC CSR: Update on the EU packaging reform

Food surplus at farm gate

BRC members meeting on DRS: Slides and notes

Learn more about Open 3P | Open Standard for Packaging

Packaging EPR: compliance deadline for packaging data reporting is fast approaching

Packaging EPR: Recyclability Labelling update

Packaging EPR: Draft EPR Regulations and latest announcements

DRS: your latest briefing (1)
Become a member, join a community
Our communities are exclusively for our members. Joining is easier and cheaper than you might think. We have 3 types of membership: Retailer, Associate and Trade Association.