Navigating the Green Revolution: The legal path to circular and transparent manufacturing

The recent article highlighting the need for manufacturers to embrace visibility and circularity in their operations emphasises the importance of sustainable practices in the industry. As a lawyer specialising in the manufacturing sector, I would like to focus on the environmental law implications related to adopting these measures while expressing my support for the article's approach to promoting sustainability in manufacturing.

Firstly, manufacturers transitioning towards a circular economy model must ensure compliance with current environmental laws and regulations. In the UK, this includes the Environment Act, Environmental Permitting, the Environmental Protection Act, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, and the Circular Economy Package, to name but a few of the Acts and Regulations. These regulations aim to reduce waste generation, promote recycling, and encourage the use of renewable resources. The article rightly points out the significance of adopting such measures for both the environment and the businesses.

I welcome the article's approach to learning from top sustainability performers and the emphasis on visibility and circularity as the two key sustainability goals. Increasing the visibility of carbon content across the supply chain and adopting circular economy principles can significantly contribute to reducing waste, conserving resources, and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Manufacturers should be aware that non-compliance with environmental laws can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and even criminal liability. The article's focus on shifting to a circular mindset and adopting practices such as recycling, refurbishing, and reusing is a commendable effort to address these challenges and promote environmental compliance.

In conclusion, the transition to visibility and circularity in the manufacturing sector is essential for promoting sustainability, and I fully support the article's approach to fostering sustainable practices in the industry. By working closely with legal experts and staying informed about the evolving regulatory landscape, manufacturers can successfully navigate the environmental law implications and adopt practices that benefit both the environment and their businesses.

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Rip-and-replace is no longer viable. With raw material prices up to 18% higher than a year ago, squeezed budgets and increased pressure to meet sustainability targets mean manufacturers are looking to repair more and buy less, extending the lifespan of their industrial applications.

In the quest to become more resilient, many businesses are embracing circularity and the notion of ‘repairable’ assets; reusing, repairing and refurbishing products that are recycled and certified at the end of their lifecycle.

However, repairability, circularity and carbon reduction can be particularly challenging in manufacturing. For decades, in efforts to maintain business-as-usual through turbulent times, we have seen a lack of focus on reducing high energy consumption, growing levels of industrial waste, and increasing carbon emissions. Thankfully, migration to decarbonised low-waste operations has now become a top business priority.”