Turning Policy into Practice: How BIO-CIRCLE Supports the UK’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy
- rachelhoward84
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Our Government has a bold vision: achieve net zero emissions by 2050 while keeping British industry competitive. To get there, it has published the Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy - the first major roadmap of its kind in the world.
This strategy recognises that industry is responsible for around 16% of UK emissions and that “business as usual” is no longer an option. From transport to food processing to additive manufacturing, every sector needs to play a role in cutting carbon while maintaining productivity.
So, how does this translate into real life? And how do our sustainable technologies help make it a reality?
The UK’s Industrial Decarbonisation Targets
The strategy sets out a mix of near-term and long-term goals designed to keep the UK on track for net zero:
By 2030
Capture at least 3 million tonnes of CO₂ per year in industrial clusters.
Replace 20 TWh of fossil fuel energy use with low-carbon alternatives such as hydrogen, electrification, and bioenergy.
Cut industrial emissions by around two-thirds compared to 2018 levels.
By 2035
Scale carbon capture capacity up to 9 million tonnes per year.
Expand low-carbon energy infrastructure across the UK’s main industrial regions.
By 2050
Deliver near-zero emissions in all industrial sectors, from chemicals to construction.
These are ambitious targets, especially for so-called “hard-to-abate” industries where high heat, solvents, and heavy chemical use are integral to production.
Where Cleaning Fits into the Bigger Picture
When people think of industrial decarbonisation, they picture hydrogen pipelines, carbon capture plants, or electrified furnaces. But day-to-day operations - like how equipment is cleaned and maintained - also play a major role in emissions.
Traditional cleaning methods often involve:
VOC-heavy solvents, which release harmful emissions into the air.
High-energy cleaning baths, where heat is needed to activate degreasers.
Frequent disposal of waste solvents, driving both environmental and financial costs.
Multiply that across thousands of factories, workshops, and maintenance sites, and you see why the government emphasises energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and safer chemistry as pillars of its strategy.
How Bio-Circle Technologies Deliver on Policy Goals
Bio-Circle has spent decades developing cleaning solutions that reduce emissions, improve safety, and lower costs. These innovations directly align with the government’s decarbonisation framework.
1. Cutting Carbon from Cleaning Operations
Our water-based cleaners are VOC-reduced or VOC-free, avoiding the hidden greenhouse gas impact of solvent evaporation.
By lowering emissions at site level, companies can demonstrate measurable progress toward the 2030 and 2035 reduction goals.
2. Reducing Energy Demand
Unlike traditional degreasers, BIO-CIRCLE systems work effectively at ambient temperatures.
Customers report energy savings of around 70% compared to heated baths - a meaningful step toward the government’s 20 TWh fossil fuel displacement target.
3. Minimising Waste Through Bioremediation
Our systems use living microorganisms to “eat” oils and greases, constantly regenerating the cleaning solution.
This reduces chemical disposal frequency significantly - if not entirely - cutting both costs and emissions linked to waste handling.
4. Improving Workplace Safety
Safer chemistries mean reduced risks for employees, helping organisations meet both health & safety standards and the strategy’s commitment to a cleaner, healthier industrial base.
A Real-World Example: From Maintenance Shop to Net Zero Roadmap
Consider a manufacturer maintaining spray tanks, pumps, or metal components. Traditionally, this might involve harsh solvents, high heat, and weekly fluid changes.
By switching to BIO-CIRCLE:
Cleaning fluid stays effective for months
No heating is required
VOC emissions are virtually eliminated
Waste disposal volumes are drastically reduced
The result isn’t just cleaner equipment. It’s quantifiable carbon savings that support corporate ESG (environmental, social & governance) reporting and contribute directly to national net zero targets.
Government Target | What It Means | How BIO-CIRCLE Helps |
Capture 3 MtCO₂/year by 2030 | UK industries must cut direct emissions from clusters (geographical areas with a high density of manufacturing and industrial sites) | BIO-CIRCLE reduces on-site emissions by eliminating VOC-heavy solvents, lowering CO₂ output. |
Replace 20 TWh of fossil fuel energy use by 2030 | Shift from fossil fuels to electricity, hydrogen, or bioenergy. | BIO-CIRCLE cleaning systems can operate at ambient temperature, cutting energy use by up to 70% versus heated cleaning baths. |
Reduce industrial emissions by ~⅔ by 2030 | Big cuts in CO₂ intensity across all manufacturing. | Switching to BIO-CIRCLE avoids emissions from many areas, including but not limited to solvent production, transport, use, and disposal - helping achieve measurable reductions. |
Expand carbon capture to 9 MtCO₂/year by 2035 | Scale CCUS and low-carbon infrastructure. | BIO-CIRCLE reduces the carbon burden before capture is even needed, easing pressure on infrastructure. |
Resource efficiency | Reduce industrial waste and improve circular economy. | BIO-CIRCLE’s bioremediation process continuously regenerates cleaning fluids, cutting chemical disposal volumes by up to 80%. BIO-CIRCLE is the OG of circularity! |
Protect worker health | Improve safety while decarbonising. | Our liquids are VOC-reduced or completely VOC-free, non-flammable, and safer for employees, supporting both sustainability and compliance. |
Conclusion: Everyday Actions for a National Goal
The UK’s Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy is clear: reaching net zero will require action at every level, from billion-pound CCUS infrastructure to smarter daily choices on the factory floor.
BIO-CIRCLE technologies turn that policy into practice by giving industries the tools to lower their emissions, reduce energy use, minimise waste, and protect worker health.
In short: what the strategy sets out in ambition, WE DELIVER IN ACTION!
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