Circularity in Practice initiative launches

Circularity in Practice, a new, nationwide, voluntary initiative inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, that brings businesses together to encourage circularity, designing out waste, focusing on reuse, high‑quality recycling, remanufacturing, and repurposing, where we live and work has launched.

From building materials, lighting, furniture, fixtures and fittings, to household goods and appliances, many discarded items could be reclaimed, reused, refurbished, remanufactured, or recycled. Circularity in Practice is about repurposing with purpose – today.

The initiative invites UK companies to pledge to plan, act, partner, and share progress. It is aimed towards, but not limited to, developers, contractors, manufacturers, construction companies, occupiers and landlords, designers and architects, waste management companies, professional bodies, and community groups.

Circularity in Practice is inspired by His Majesty King Charles III, and his lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. The initiative is driven by a core team of signatories who will promote education, share best practice, encourage cross-sector collaboration, and spotlight commercially viable models, with the intention to help companies create value and reduce costs without relying on regulation or subsidy.

Signatories include significant UK businesses – Sir Robert McAlpine, JLL, Orms, McGee, Great Portland Estates plc, Tata Steel UK, EMR, Rype Office, SUEZ, Therme, Pineapple Partnerships, SAS International, Saint-Gobain, Recolight, 18 Degrees, Alandale Group, Don’t Waste Buildings, Excess Materials Exchange, the British Chambers of Commerce – and many regional SMEs.

Edward McAlpine, Chairman and Executive Partner of Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine is proud to support the Circularity in Practice initiative. We recognise that the transition from a linear to a circular economy is critical for the future of the built environment. By prioritising circular design, resource efficiency, and high-value material reuse, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint while preserving natural resources. We are committed to contributing our engineering excellence and sharing best practices through this initiative, driving the collective change needed to transform how our industry builds and maintains a sustainable future for the built environment.”

Matthew Richards, CEO JLL UK and Head of EMEA Capital Markets of JLL, said: “JLL shares this commitment to embed circular economy practices within the built environment, building on our proven track record of transforming circular practices within our own offices. Achieving true circularity requires collaborative action across the entire supply chain. Together, we can ensure that circularity becomes a central pillar in the delivery of the next generation of buildings across our towns and cities.”

Dan Nicholson, Executive Director at Great Portland Estates plc, said: “GPE are seeing first-hand the positive impact that embracing circularity is having on our ability to deliver truly sustainable buildings of the exceptional nature that our discerning customers deserve. GPE is therefore delighted to contribute to this initiative and support greater integration of circularity across the supply chain. It is only when it becomes “business as usual” across the UK that the economic benefits of circularity will be realised.”

UK companies that would like to find out more and take the Pledge to become a Signatory can do so by visiting the Circularity in Practice website.