Circular Communities Scotland is delighted to release our 2025 Impact Report ‘Building Capacity for Sustainable Communities‘.
Building Capacity for Sustainable Communities is all about listening to our members, learning from their expertise, and supporting them to do even more of what they do best. Our members are already experts in delivering impactful reuse, repair and recycling initiatives within their communities. In our new Impact Report, we’ll explore what it means to build collective resilience in the face of economic, social, and environmental pressures, and how we can continue shifting attitudes around overconsumption by embedding circular practices into everyday life across Scotland.
This focus on capacity building reflects a key priority in Circular Communities Scotland’s new strategic plan, and our ongoing commitment to working alongside our members as trusted partners.
CEO of Circular Communities Scotland Michael Cook states:
“Our members are already experts at what they do and already deliver remarkable outcomes – saving carbon, diverting waste from landfill, and supporting all kinds of communities through education, poverty alleviation, volunteering and employment opportunities. The theme of this year’s report, Building Capacity for Sustainable Communities, reflects Circular Communities Scotland’s commitment to support our members to deepen and scale their vital work, strengthening the foundations that allow it to thrive.
As you read our 2025 Impact Report, you will see inspiring case studies from members who are building their own capacity through unique and remarkable means. We are honoured to be part of their journeys, through both direct and indirect support through our member services.”
Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Ms. Lorna Slater states:
“Circular Communities Scotland and its members continue to play a vital role in building a fairer, greener Scotland. We know that a circular economy is about much more than just reducing waste – it creates opportunities, strengthens communities, and supports people across the country – and Circular Communities Scotland’s work reinforces that.
This year’s Impact Report highlights the creativity, resilience and commitment of organisations who are helping to transform how we live, work and consume. From reuse and repair to social enterprise and employability programmes, their efforts show the real benefits that circular practices can deliver for people, the economy and the environment.
The Scottish Government is proud to stand alongside Circular Communities Scotland and its members as we continue our journey towards a net zero and circular economy by 2045.”
Visit our report to read our CEO Michael and MSP Lorna Slater’s forewords in full.
The Circular Communities Scotland team would like to thank our members, for taking part in the research which formed the basis of this report, and to our individual members who provided case studies to share their incredibly collaborative projects to promote a more circular economy in Scotland: New Start Highland, Circular Arts Network, Remake Scotland and Fresh Start. Thanks also to our Reuse Consortium and Share and Repair Network.