The clock is ticking on the government’s Circular Economy and Growth Plan. Six months past its due date, the need for action is ever more urgent. And businesses are asking, if it doesn’t come now, when?

The delay is having real consequences, holding back investment across industries at a time when the economy can least afford it. Over 50 businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including Ikea, Virgin Media O2 and Arup, signed our joint letter two weeks ago urging the plan’s release. We are yet to receive a response.

With global instability and insecure supply chains bearing down, the circular economy is not just an environmental priority but an economic one.

And, during a cost of living crisis, it’s not just business that need more government action. Done right, the circular economy can drive down costs for the public too and make a genuine difference to people’s daily lives and the money in their pockets.

That’s why, this week, we’re also focusing in on how government action can help people cut waste and access better quality products in ways that also help save costs. With inflation expected to keep rising, action cannot come quickly enough.

The moment to act is now.

• Food waste value for a four-person household in 2022 = £1,030. WRAP, 2025 ‘UK food waste & food surplus – key facts’
• Estimated food waste value for a four-person household by end of 2026 = £1,300. The estimation is based on WRAP 2022 figure, accounting for historical food inflation as reported by ONS and predicted food inflation to year end according to the FDF.
• The UK spends over 25 per cent more than mainland Europe on clothing. NielsenIQ, 2025 ‘Europeans spend an average of 772 euros on fashion’
• Switching to secondhand online shopping offers savings regardless of the item’s original price. Green Alliance, 2023, Profit without loss
• Typical new vs typical resale price. Green Alliance, 2023, Profit without loss