We often hear the circular economy talked about as an ideal for the future — a goal for Scotland's policymakers, businesses, and society as a whole to strive towards. But new analysis from Zero Waste Scotland has found that Scotland's circular economy is already thriving, and that circularity is a vital economic asset driving productivity and economic growth across the country. The question now is how we can support it and help it reach its full potential.

The circular economy is often understood to centre around recycling and waste management, and while these sectors remain essential, they are only part of the story. Our Circular Jobs Tracker has found there are around 56,000 people in circular roles across Scotland — around 2.6% of our total workforce — and they're adding nearly £5 an hour more value to our economy than the national average. These jobs are mostly concentrated in reuse and repair industries, keeping our products in use for longer by refurbishing electronics and furniture, repairing cars and machinery, and remanufacturing valuable materials that might have otherwise been lost to our supply chains.

These sectors are the driving force of Scotland's economic resilience and are helping us move away from our traditional 'take, make, waste' economic model — yet they are often overlooked in policy discussions and public perception.

Supporting these sectors is not just about environmental responsibility; it is about economic foresight. Circular practices across the lifecycle of a product — from design and maintenance to refurbishment and reuse — strengthen local industries, create highly skilled jobs, and reduce the strain on global supply chains. They are practical, productive, and already embedded in the choices we make every day.

Our individual contributions to the circular economy often go unnoticed — for many, the relationship between circular behaviours and engagement with the circular economy aren't consciously linked at all. When a sink leaks, we call a plumber rather than replacing it. When a car develops a fault, we take it to a mechanic rather than trading it in. Leasing and renting products rather than buying new ones is another everyday habit that keeps materials in use. These familiar actions are perfect examples of the circular economy in action, yet the economic value they create is often misunderstood.

As the Circular Jobs Tracker has found, these identified circular roles contributed around £4 billion to Scotland's economy in 2021, comparable to more traditionally recognised sectors such as food and drink or our spirits and wine industry. They show high levels of labour productivity too, 16% more than the economy wide average, and circular skills are proving to be in high demand. High wages averaging at around £39,500 a year, coupled with comparatively high levels of overtime, would suggest we may already be seeing the early stages of a circular skills gap — a clear opportunity for us to invest in the future of the workforce, and in turn future proof Scotland's economy.

Nurturing Scotland's circular economy is no longer an environmental ideal, it is an economic imperative that will strengthen communities, support local business, and provide the foundations for a strong and resilient economy for years to come. But if we are to realise its full potential we must support and invest in the sectors driving our circular ambitions forward every day, and the future skills that will power them.

The circular economy is already working for Scotland, and now we have an opportunity to make it work so much more. By recognising its value, investing in the workforce, and embedding circular thinking across all industries, we can ensure that our economy thrives, that our resources are valued, and that Scotland can rely on a sustainable, productive, and future-proof economic model.

Because this is not a distant ambition, it's already happening now in the garages, repair workshops, and leasing offices across the country — our skilled, productive and forward-thinking circular workforce is showing us the way.