Recycling

(asked on 15th October 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with his Cabinet colleagues on the circular economy and the safety of products.


Answered by
Paul Scully Portrait
Paul Scully
This question was answered on 25th October 2021

In order to fully realise the significant benefits of a shift to a more circular economy, it is important that consumers can continue to have confidence in the safety of products as both supply chains and product design evolve. The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is currently reviewing the UK’s product safety framework and its recent Call for Evidence requested information from stakeholders on changes to product lifecycles, the circular economy and the impact on product safety. The review will seek to ensure that the product safety framework can adapt to any emerging risks and a Government Response to the Call for Evidence will be published in due course.

Alongside its Call for Evidence, OPSS has commissioned research to further build our evidence base, including on second-life batteries and on the use of recycled materials in consumer products. The OPSS research programme will continue to address issues related to the transition to a circular economy.

OPSS and Defra officials are in regular contact to ensure a coordinated approach to the development of a circular economy and consumer safety.

Reticulating Splines