Circular Economy

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.

  1. Packaging & Waste: 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Fashion & Textiles: 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 Naomi Brandon-Bravo.
  4. Food Waste: 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 Naomi Brandon-Bravo.

Contact

  • Naomi Brandon-Bravo

    Head of Sustainability and Supply Chain | BRC

    Naomi leads on packaging and waste including pEPR, WEEE Regulations and DRS.

Circular Economy Content

Filters
Event

EU PPWR Working Group | November 2026

Wed 25 November
10:00 - 11:00
Teams
Member Access
Article

DRS | Key Updates: RVMs, International Barcodes, EDI

06 Nov 2026
Member Access
Article

DRS | EFC requests retailer RVM information and reverse logistics decisions

30 Oct 2026
Member Access
Meeting Note

EU PPWR | Meeting Note - October 2026

28 Oct 2026
Member Access
Article

EPR | Shape the Recyclability Assessment Methodology 2027 and 2028 - Direct printing on PP, PFAS and future methodology

26 Oct 2026
Member Access
Article

EPR | RAM New Approach for Future Iterations

23 Oct 2026
Member Access
Meeting Note

EU PPWR | Meeting Note - September 2026

20 Oct 2026
Member Access
Consultation

Simpler Recycling and Animal By-Products (ABP): Defra Seeking Retailer Feedback on Potential New Approach

20 Oct 2026
Member Access
Article

DRS | October Briefing

15 Oct 2026
Article

DEFRA announce changes to the PRN system following industry advocacy

13 Oct 2026
Member Access
Policy position

EPR | RAM 2027 - BRC Position Paper

02 Oct 2026
Member Access
Article

DRS | Logistics Providers Announced

30 Sep 2026
Member Access
Consultation

Smart Data | BRC Call for Evidence Response

30 Sep 2026
Member Access
Article

DEFRA Batteries Reform | Upcoming Consultation

28 Sep 2026
Member Access
Article

Letter to Defra Secretary on PRNs

25 Sep 2026
Member Access
Briefing

UK Sustainability Reporting Update: September 2026

22 Sep 2026
Member Access
Briefing

PRN | Update on market failure and retailer position

14 Sep 2026
Member Access
Meeting Note

Circular Economy | General Defra Update – September 2026

09 Sep 2026
Member Access
Meeting Note

EU PPWR Meeting Note | August 2026

09 Sep 2026
Member Access
Consultation

Smart Data Call for Evidence

03 Sep 2026
Member benefits

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