How many jobs could the circular economy create in your town?

Resource efficiency charity WRAP has unveiled new research and an interactive map which shows the job-creation potential of the circular economy all the way down to a constituency level.


The organisation launched an exhibition at the palace of Westminster today, charting potential jobs constituency by constituency. (Scroll down for interactive map).

The granular data builds on existing research by WRAP which claims a circular economy would create 40,000 jobs in London, 210,000 across the UK and three million in Europe.

WRAP chief executive Liz Goodwin – who this week announced she would be stepping down from her role – said: “WRAP has shown the jobs potential for Continent, Country and Capital. But now we’re drilling right down to the Constituencies – delivering indicative figures for MPs and their constituencies. 

“Boosting the economy, providing jobs and protecting the environment are key issues for any government. However, the circular economy could offer real benefits in all three areas, and promises to turn these issues into opportunities.”

Different routes

The new figures add to the growing focus on a resource efficient economy, as businesses, NGOs and policymakers start thinking about how to act upon the EU’s new circular economy package.

And it appears there is more than one way to skin a cat. Circular economy proponent the Ellen MacArthur Foundation claimed that technology – specifically smart devices and the Internet of Things – would be a huge driver for the transition.

The All-Party Parliamentary Sustainable Resource Group (APSRG) on the other hand, said this week that green procurement policies offered the single biggest ‘quick win‘ in the circular transition.

The new figures also come during a period of transition for WRAP, as chief executive Liz Goodwin announced earlier this week that she would be stepping down after nine years in the role.

Interactive map: Circular economy jobs

Stay tuned to edie for a full and exclusive ‘exit interview’ with WRAP’s Liz Goodwin later this week.

Brad Allen

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