Over 50 businesses and trade associations, including IKEA and Virgin Media O2, are urging the UK Government to publish the long-delayed Circular Economy Growth Plan.
As part of the joint letter, the businesses said the plan would end uncertainty, provide ‘the confidence to invest’ and accelerate a circular economy transition across their operations.
The Circular Economy Growth Plan was originally expected to be published in October last year and has been held back for over six months.
Circular Online learned that the Department for the Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra) expected to publish the plan for consultation in early 2026. However, it has yet to be published, and there is no indication of when it could arrive.
The businesses have said they are worried the ongoing delay ‘will harm momentum towards a more resilient, resource efficient economy’.
The plan has been developed by the Circular Economy Taskforce, an independent advisory group comprising experts and leaders from various sectors.
Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director at Aldersgate Group, a signatory of the letter, commented: “The continued delay to the Circular Economy Growth Plan is creating real uncertainty for business.”
“We need a clear, cross‑government, long‑term approach that provides policy certainty, supports resilience, and enables investment.”
“This is particularly important as the UK seeks to reset its relationship with the EU: policy divergence can cause substantial practical and economic challenges for business.”
The joint letter was sent to Emma Reynolds, Secretary of State for Defra, as well as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Department for Transport, Treasury, and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Last week, a separate letter coordinated by The Restart Project and signed by Green Alliance, Back Market, and the CIWM also called on the Prime Minister to release the Circular Economy Growth Plan.
