Picture a business model where reducing costs and improving efficiency go hand-in-hand with lowering environmental impact. That’s the essence of the circular economy—designing products and services so materials stay in use through reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling, instead of the familiar ‘take-make-dispose’ economy. Implementations vary: a restaurant using vegetable offcuts for sauces, a hotel replacing single-use toiletries with refillables, or an outdoor shop renting and repairing kit, are all examples of circularity in action.
Where net-zero focuses on energy, the circular economy tackles the wider resource question, curbing the hidden emissions and environmental costs embedded in extracting, producing, transporting and discarding goods. Done well, it brings measurable business benefits: lower overheads, improved operational efficiency, stronger brand reputation and a more collaborative local economy.
Recognising the circular economy’s potential benefit to Scotland’s rural enterprises, Lucien Overweel joined the Cairngorms Business Partnership (CBP) for an internship funded by Zero Waste Scotland, who also provided training support. During the internship, he created and launched a practical online toolkit that offers:
Easy-to-Implement ‘Quick Wins’: concise, actionable advice for various sectors including tourism, retail, food & drink, accommodation, agriculture and more
General Circular Economy Guidance: information about the circular economy, why it matters and how to get started
Local Case Studies: examples of businesses undertaking small and large circular economy interventions within the Cairngorms and in the rest of Scotland
An Accessible Format: a clear, accessible layout that encourages quick reference and deeper learning
The toolkit was developed to reflect the specific challenges faced by businesses in the Cairngorms. Drawing on conversations with local business owners and insights from the CBP team, the content was kept concise, relevant and practical—recognising that most businesses are short on time and need clear, actionable advice. By including case studies that span a wide range of sectors, users can see themselves in the examples and feel confident that meaningful change is achievable. Case studies also reduce perceived risk by showcasing real, local successes and highlighting the tangible environmental and commercial benefits of circularity. The toolkit encourages users to look beyond their own sector, as collaboration often sparks the most innovative ideas.
The toolkit is available to nearly 400 member businesses across the Cairngorms National Park. While it’s still early days, there’s already promising interest and Lucien has stayed involved to support the CBP’s wider spread of these concepts and the rollout of the toolkit.
A Blueprint for Scotland
Looking ahead, the ethos behind the toolkit has wider relevance. If more networks across Scotland embraced circular thinking and helped local businesses adopt practical, resource-efficient strategies, the collective impact could be significant: stronger regional supply chains, reduced waste and more resilient, sustainable communities across the country.
Lucien is a recent University of Edinburgh architectural engineering graduate, passionate about the environment; this internship was a valuable opportunity to take the lead in developing a practical resource from the ground up and contribute to Scotland’s sustainability efforts. Fueled by his continued enthusiasm, supported by the CBP, the project is well placed to bring lasting change across the region.
