Mansion House Hosts Deal to Kickstart Circular Economy Finance
UK and Netherlands circular economy cooperation officially got underway in the City of London this week, as senior figures from both governments met at Mansion House to launch a shared vision for financing sustainable infrastructure. Hosted by the Lord Mayor of London, the roundtable brought together civil servants, finance leaders and green economy experts from both countries to explore how to unlock capital for circular innovation.
The meeting marked the creation of a proposed UK-Dutch Circular Economy Finance Coalition, focused on developing investment strategies for reuse, repair and recycling systems. The Coalition will also look at adapting tools like the Dutch Circular Risk Scorecard for broader international use, mapping funding gaps, and supporting more resilient supply chains.
As the UK moves towards a circular economy by 2050, London is taking centre stage. The City’s financial institutions are expected to play a key role in channelling billions of pounds into sustainable infrastructure. Industry figures estimate that planned UK waste reforms could generate up to £10 billion in investment over the next decade, creating around 21,000 new jobs, opportunities that will rely heavily on financial coordination from within the Square Mile.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society. The status quo is unsustainable and we now have a real opportunity to lead the world in circular innovation. Our work with the Dutch government and City of London will help deliver that change.”
The Lord Mayor of London, Alastair King, added:
“London is already the top European centre for finance and green investment. This partnership builds on our global reputation to accelerate real-world change, supporting innovation and growth in both countries.”
The Netherlands recently refreshed its 2030 Circular Economy Programme, while the UK launched its own Circular Economy Taskforce in November 2024. This new cooperation reflects a shared ambition to align financial frameworks and remove barriers to investment in sustainable materials, recycling tech and waste recovery systems.
To learn more about the principles behind circular investment and industry tracking tools, WRAP’s UK Circular Economy Scoreboard is a useful starting point.
For more coverage on the City of London’s role in driving green finance and circular infrastructure, visit EyeOnLondon City. We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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