Our top five takeaways from the Green Alliance report

We’re proud to have been at the forefront of the circular economy for over 26 years, and we’re always eager to learn more about how other organisations in the UK are getting involved.

Green Alliance is an independent think tank and charity focused on ambitious leadership for the environment. For over 40 years, they’ve worked with some of the most influential leaders in business, non-governmental organisations, and politics to hasten political action and carve out transformative policy for a green and prosperous UK.

Ramco had the opportunity to attend the Green Alliance’s second Business Circle roundtable of 2022 in June, which was a fantastic opportunity to share our knowledge and expertise on the circular economy. It also gave Green Alliance the chance to outline its intention to discover more about how businesses from three different sectors – fashion, construction and electronics understand the links between climate and circular business. By doing this, they also aimed to identify what policy would be needed to help businesses transition to circular models

Earlier this week, they published the report entitled, ‘Circular business: what companies need to make the switch’, outlining the steps organisations can take to make their operations more circular, explaining why circular business models are overlooked despite cutting carbon, creating jobs, and how they can boost economic growth.

Green Alliance spoke openly with senior company representatives and experts in the electronics, fashion, and construction products sector to gain an insight as to why the model isn't currently being adopted on a wider scale. 

Here’s five of our top takeaways from the publication.

  1. Measurement reveals the scale of the problem – the report found companies tended to view the circular economy in terms of waste reduction or resource efficiency, until they measured their full value chain emissions. Once businesses see data, they understand that the circular economy is necessary to meet carbon targets.
  1. Companies see growth opportunities in the circular economy – businesses reported that reuse and resale can prove to be more profitable, even when products are sold at a lower price. They also noticed that circular models provided significant growth opportunities, particularly for businesses that supply other businesses. 
  1. Circular business models protect against supply risks – an increased awareness of supply chain risks encourages buyers and suppliers to use circular goods and services. In turn, this provides greater business resilience because the reliance on imported items is reduced.
  1. The circular economy could be at a tipping point – smaller businesses are developing new models for circularity but lack the support and money they need to scale up. Incumbent brands, retailers and clients see gaps in the ecosystem. These need to be filled by those able to handle the logistics of reverse supply chains, hygienic cleaning, and digitisation of products for resale as well as insurance and certification that’s compatible with reuse.
  1. Businesses want the government to do more – companies want the government to level the playing field for those trying to do the right thing on climate change and resource use. If the government set clear, standard requirements, then policy could create stronger demand for circular products and services. 

Working with companies across a wide range of sectors including foodservice, leisure and entertainment, and facilities management, Ramco has been finding new homes for unwanted equipment since 1996.

Offering a complete re-use solution, we take care of everything from decommissioning, collection, and refurbishment, through to storage, marketing and sales.

Now is the perfect time to join the circular economy and let us give new life to your surplus assets. Start the conversation today by emailing: businessdevelopment@ramco.co.uk