UK's Ministry of Defence explores circular economy potential

How a circular economy for the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) could be achieved is outlined in a new report.

Compiled with assistance from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the report highlights how a circular economy presents a solution to the systemic challenges faced by MOD organisations.

Defence accounts for 50% of the UK Government’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the report outlines the issues facing the sector, from the escalating threat of climate change to decarbonisation targets, supply chain volatility, energy geopolitics, material availability, and outdated systems and infrastructure.

A circular economy, underpinned by the principles of eliminating waste and pollution through design, and circulating materials and products at their highest value for as long as possible, would help the UK defence sector deal with these challenges, the report states.

It urges the UK defence sector to integrate circular economy principles into organisational culture, policies and practices, driving innovation and fostering a more sustainable and resilient defence sector for the future.

It also outlines the importance of strong leadership, education, behavioural change, aligned investment priorities, data management and collaboration across the three stages of the value chain - sourcing of raw materials and components and manufacturing of products; use of those products; end-of- life management of products and materials.

It gives examples of circular innovations for defence to show how a circular economy could work in practice.

These include the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s procurement of military workwear, with the stipulation that new items were manufactured with at least 10% recycled materials.

While a British Army funded project has converted four in-service military Land Rovers from diesel to electric vehicles (EVs) using a drop-in kit and modified battery system. Vessels no longer in operation, such as HMS Illustrious, a 16,000 tonne light aircraft carrier of the British Royal Navy, have also been recycled. 

Professor Fiona Charnley, Co-Director of the Exeter Centre for Circular Economy, part of the University of Exeter Business School, which contributed to the report, says, 'Given the defence sector oversees a vast array of assets and equipment, and exhibits a clear desire for change, it stands in a good position to pioneer innovation and adopt circular economy principles.

'This shift has the potential to substantially enhance asset and resource efficiency, lower costs, and contribute to achieving ambitious net-zero targets, which aligns with the strategic goals of the sector, promoting resilience, sustainability and efficiency across operations and supply chains, along with economic security.'