SCOTLAND’S “take-make-waste” economy needs rewiring to become a fairer, greener and richer country, according to a new report.

Zero Waste Scotland and the Economic Development Association Scotland’s (EDAS) joint paper calls for a shift from an economy where only 1.3 per cent of materials are reused and a public policy that puts “social provisioning” at its heart.

The paper calls for a move from unacceptable levels of poverty under the “fossil-fuelled” economy to a “circular, greener” model, “one which must effectively organise itself accordingly to society’s needs and wants.”

“We need a rewiring of the economy which is not just tinkering at the edges,” it said.

Zero Waste Scotland’s Iain Gulland said: “If we’re serious about achieving a future that’s both environmentally and economically sound, then circularity needs to become more central.”

Community wealth building expert and EDAS chairman Neil McInroy added: “We must fundamentally rethink the purpose of economic development.”

A Scottish government spokesperson said it was “determined” the country would be “at the forefront of the net-zero economy,” adding: “We are taking forward targeted actions to secure growth and investment, and providing certainty for businesses by demonstrating how we will work to reduce barriers to investment.”