Fidra, an environmental charity committed to sustainability and preventing pollution, has released a new report: “Safe and Circular: How Controls on Chemicals Enable a Circular Economy.” This report highlights the vital role chemical controls play in supporting the UK’s transition to a circular economy while addressing climate and biodiversity crises.
Fidra’s report highlights how harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), undermine the safety and value of recycled materials. These substances not only impede circularity within various industries but also pose significant risks to environmental and human health. The presence of such chemicals in recycled products compromises their safety, hindering efforts to create closed-loop systems where materials are reused without harm.
These issues align closely with the One Health agenda, which recognises the interconnection between human health, environmental sustainability, and animal well-being. Managing chemical pollutants is essential not only for a circular economy but also for protecting ecosystems and public health. Fidra’s report highlights the need for integrated solutions that address pollution while supporting circularity—core aspects of the One Health approach.
The findings from Fidra’s report highlight opportunities for policymakers, industries, and researchers to strengthen chemical controls, ensuring that recycling processes produce materials that are safe and of high value. This supports a truly circular economy—one that not only reduces waste but also prioritises health and sustainability.
OHBP supports efforts like Fidra’s that align with the One Health vision by addressing chemical pollution, which contributes to biodiversity loss and climate change. Such collaborations are essential for sustainable, resilient societies.
Fidra has also released a related webinar, “Agricultural Use of Biosolids: Evidence of Environmental Risks and Farmer Perspectives,” featuring the latest research from the James Hutton Institute. The webinar explores how the application of biosolids to agricultural land can pose risks to soil health, highlighting another area where chemical pollutants can threaten the balance between economic practices and environmental sustainability.
Biosolids, when contaminated with harmful chemicals, can degrade soil ecosystems, affecting crop production, biodiversity, and ultimately human health. OHBP recognises the importance of addressing such issues to protect soil health—an essential component of the One Health framework.
Fidra has also produced a blog on this topic and a short summary video, offering accessible insights into how controlling harmful chemicals is crucial for circular economy success.
- Download the full report: Safe and Circular: How Controls on Chemicals Enable a Circular Economy
- Watch the summary video
- Read Fidra’s blog
- Watch the biosolids webinar
Fidra’s work reinforces the importance of managing materials more effectively and preventing pollution to address climate and biodiversity crises. Their findings are a timely reminder that the transition to a circular economy must prioritise chemical safety to protect environmental and human health.
At OHBP, we remain committed to advancing the One Health agenda by collaborating with partners like Fidra to drive impactful research and practical solutions. Together, we can build a future where ecosystems thrive, communities are healthy, and economies are sustainable.
