SGF calls for ScotGov prioritise collaboration over more regulation on Circular Economy

The Scottish Grocers Federation has written to the Minister for the Circular Economy today, highlighting that proposed measures set out in the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, could place even more pressure on the sector, which is already facing an ‘extremely changing trading environment’.

SGF has called for a more collaborative approach, working alongside retail and small businesses, to deliver on Scotland’s environmental targets. Noting that additional restrictions and regulations should be used as a last resort, only.

The Bill will give Ministers new powers to install further local recycling targets, potentially place charges on single-use items, such as coffee cups, and put a full ban on the disposal of unsold consumer goods.

SGF Chief Executive, Dr Pete Cheema OBE said: “The convenience sector provides an essential lifeline service to many communities in Scotland, as well as being a vital economic multiplier and important source of local employment. 

“However, as I have explained to the Minister before, the burden of further regulation from government, across a range of issues, is also impacting on business viability.

“The recently published Circular Economy Bill will give Ministers powers to increase that burden further. While we welcome the aim of protecting our natural environment, we also recognise that local retail businesses are vital to their communities and to their local economies.

“We believe the best way to deliver on our nations environmental targets is for Ministers to collaborate and listen to the concerns of businesses critical to the Scottish Economy. Working in partnership to deliver our aims wherever possible and limiting the need for further regulation and restrictions to a minimum.”

In the letter, SGF explained that retailers are already contending with their own pressures such as cost-of-living crisis, and many are still trying to cope with exceptionally high energy costs, stubbornly high inflation and food inflation, higher interest rates, business rates and continued supply chain disruption.