Updates from the DEFRA Circular Economy Newsletter
DEFRA released their most recent edition of the Circular Economy Newsletter on Thursday 22 May.
See below for summaries of each topic, with links to access the full articles.
Circular Economy Strategy
Circular Economy: Textiles Ministerial Roundtable Summary
Minister Mary Creagh CBE MP convened leaders across the textiles sector to discuss innovation, circularity, and the sector’s future role in a sustainable UK economy. Read more
Circular Economy: Delivery Roadmap
DEFRA provides the latest progress update on its Delivery Roadmap for circular economy implementation, outlining priority areas and next steps.Read more
Circular Economy Engagement
May Stakeholder Engagement Forum Summary
A recap of key discussions and insights from May’s forum, covering stakeholder feedback on policy directions and reform priorities. Read more
May Forum Update on the Circular Economy Strategy
Attendees received an overview of strategic developments, including upcoming milestones and the long-term vision for circularity. Read more
May Forum Update on the Deposit Return Scheme
This session provided updates on the implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme, including timelines and expected outcomes. Read more
May Forum Update on Simpler Recycling in England
Simpler Recycling legislation is now in force, with new workplace collection requirements introduced from March 2025. Read more
May Forum Update on Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging
An expansion of the pEPR programme was outlined, including next steps for implementation and industry collaboration. Read more
May Forum Update on PackUK
The forum covered progress on PackUK’s role in supporting data collection, compliance, and producer engagement. Read more
May Forum Update on Waste Electricals & Electronic Equipment and Single-Use Vapes
Key update: a full ban on single-use vapes will take effect on Sunday 1 June 2025. Read more
See our Member Update article on this here.
June Stakeholder Engagement
Forum The next joint forum will take place on Tuesday 3 June, continuing discussions around current and upcoming reforms. Read more
Reminder – Digital Waste Tracking: Sign Up for User Groups
Organisations are invited to participate in Digital Waste Tracking user groups, helping shape the future technical design. Read more
Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR) Updates pEPR: Expression of interest – The role of the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO)
Defra has launched an EOI process for organisations interested in becoming a PRO under the EPR packaging scheme. Read more
PackUK Update
News and updates from PackUK, including recent activities and ongoing support for the pEPR scheme. Read more
Environment Agency
Publishing Updated Aggregated Producer Data
Environmental regulators have released updated packaging data under the EPR scheme. Read more
The Environment Agency 2024 Compliance Monitoring Report
The latest Compliance Monitoring Report outlines key findings and metrics for 2024. Read more
Past DEFRA Newsletter Editions
Catch up on earlier issues:
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