Category 02 · Impact in Action Awards 2026
Circular Economy & Sustainable Enterprise
Business models that reduce waste, improve resource use and create sustainable value.
Purpose
What this category recognises
Recognises enterprises that design out waste, keep materials in use and build commercially sustainable models around resource efficiency.
Eligible nominees
- Businesses and social enterprises
- Cooperatives and producer groups
- Corporate sustainability programmes
Eligibility rules
- Commercial or operational model in place for at least 12 months
- Evidence of waste reduction or resource efficiency
- Clear sustainability of the model beyond grant funding
Examples
- Recycling or upcycling enterprises
- Waste-to-value processing
- Resource-efficient manufacturing practice
Assessment criteria
How nominations are assessed
01
Impact & outcomes
Evidence of positive change and relevance to category.
02
Innovation
Originality, practicality and effectiveness.
03
Sustainability
Continuity, resilience and long-term value.
04
Inclusion
Reach, accessibility and consideration of underserved groups.
05
Scalability
Potential to expand or be adapted elsewhere.
06
Leadership & governance
Accountability, ethics and quality of execution.
Nominate in this category Deadline: 14 November 2026