Zero Waste Scotland appoints industry expert to lead £18m circular economy fund

Zero Waste Scotland, Scotland’s circular economy expert, has appointed Simon Weston, director for Raw Materials at the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), to chair its flagship Circular Economy Investment Fund.

The £18 million fund offers grant funding for Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and organisations based in Scotland, and seeks to support work that will help deliver circular economy growth in line with the Scottish Government’s circular economy strategy Making Things Last.

It invites proposals from SME and social enterprise organisations interested in exploring new markets for circular economy products and services, developing and adopting innovative business models or developing innovative technologies to support a circular economy. It is supported by funds from the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Louise McGregor, head of circular economy, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “The circular economy is an innovation opportunity for businesses to create new revenue streams and reduce key business risks.

“Our Circular Economy Investment Fund can help Scottish SMEs to seize this opportunity. Bringing Simon on board to Chair the fund will give us unique industry insight to help maximise this fantastic opportunity.”

Mr Weston added: “I am delighted to have the chance to support the development of the Circular Economy in Scotland in such a direct way and look forward to working with colleagues in Zero Waste Scotland to promote this opportunity to Scottish enterprises.”

The fund has already run a dedicated call for innovative bi-economy projects and will shortly launch a call to the Scottish manufacturing sector, in addition to running a general fund.

More details about the CEIF can be found here.