Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 16 September 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a support scheme for businesses to manage, or move on, unsold stock before disposal becomes restricted under the Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024, to support and accelerate economic growth across the circular fashion and sustainable textiles sectors.
The Circular Economy (Scotland) Act 2024 states that Scottish Ministers may, by regulations, make provision prohibiting or restricting the disposal of unsold consumer goods if they consider it appropriate to do. The policy design will be informed by evidence and stakeholder engagement, and any measures will include an implementation period to allow businesses to prepare. Textile products will be a key focus of our product stewardship plan, and the sector will be considered in our forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy.