Businesses making better use of resources are increasing their sales, according to new research by Green Alliance.
The research from Green Alliance analysed Advanced Clothing Solutions, Ocado Retail, Screwfix and B&Q, Branston, Caterpillar and JCB, Project PRoGrESS, and The Greater Manchester Renew Hub.
Green Alliance says the case studies and international comparisons highlight three actions that should form part of the strategy to support the growth of circular businesses. These are:
- Finance: Green Alliance are calling on the Treasury to introduce incentives that reward circular businesses for the value they provide to the economy.
- Consumer confidence: Strong regulatory standards and protections that build trust, reduce costs, and drive demand for circular products and services.
- Skills: A skills development plan that attracts and trains workers with transferable skills from other industries. Green Alliance is also calling for strategic funding for universities, colleges and training providers, and a green skills tax relief for businesses investing in green workforce training.
As part of its research, Green Alliance found the tool seller Screwfix has refurbished over 250,000 items since launching its ‘Refurb by Screwfix’ product line in 2021.
Screwfix sells 1,800 different refurbished products, typically at a 20% discount, and 100,000 were sold in 2024-25.
Green Alliance also analysed online grocer Ocado’s pilot refill scheme for rice, pasta, laundry detergent and softener, where customers return the containers to drivers after use. 96% of customers surveyed said they would choose reusable containers again.
We know that making better use of resources can boost economic growth, the government’s number one mission, and provide jobs in the years to come.
Products in refillable packaging achieved higher ratings from customers than their single-use counterparts, ranging from 4.8 to 4.9 out of five stars.
Commenting on the research, Emily Carr, policy adviser at Green Alliance, said: “The government has an opportunity to transform the economy with England’s first circular economy strategy, due later in 2025.
“We know that making better use of resources can boost economic growth, the government’s number one mission, and provide jobs in the years to come.
“But our research shows that large, established companies are already increasing their sales through circular business models, while their customers are benefiting from lower prices and attractive products.”
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