circular economy definition eu

The EU Ecolabel is the official European Union label for environmental excellence.. Drivers of product design and usage are discussed in the context of emerging consumption trends and business models. Resource efficiency is one of the core elements necessary to create a green economy in Europe and further afield, alongside waste prevention and recycling efforts, and more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Empowering consumers, mandating eco-design and better product information, and promoting an understanding of the concept among populations are some ways she listed to speed things up. the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. Order the Book. Circular Economy Package weitere anzeigen. Discover our other sites. A circular economy (also referred to as "circularity" ) is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources. Climate change, disaster risk reduction & desertification, Environment, Climate Change and Green Economy, Call 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11. EEA Web Team, Software updated on Indicators and assessment tools are proposed that can help fill the current data and knowledge gaps. With urban zones expected to house close to 66% of the world’s population by 2050, according to the UN – Schomaker explained that managing the process will present many challenges. This article was written by Craig Hill, Journalist and Content Editor at Capacity4dev, with input from DG ENV, DG DEVCO and Chatham House. within it. This paper reviews the growing literature on the circular economy with the aim of improving our understanding of the concept as well as its various dimensions and expected impacts. A first trilogue meeting is scheduled on 30 May. Circular material use can minimise waste and resource extraction, improve resource efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to conserving biodiversity. 25.02.2021 Circular Economy: Rotterdam setzt neue Maßstäbe mit BlueCity 25.02.2021 Abfallvermeidung: Studie belegt großes Potenzial für Arbeitsmarkt 03.02.2021 EU-Kommission überprüft Verpackungsrichtlinie 26.11.2020 Europaweite Aktionen für Abfallvermeidung Schomaker said more research is needed on circular economy in partner countries alongside research on its implications for Europe. definition is grounded in an interpretation of the terms ‘circular economy’ and ‘business model’. Over the past two years, we have offered our report for free download. of the Circular Economy Introduction This note summarizes some of the definitions of the term “circular economy” and the baselines that have been used for projections on job impacts and growth. As the century goes on and resources become scarcer, these are likely to become all the more important. “The important thing is that the countries that mostly rely on primary resource production understand how they can become part of a different, more sustainable, model,” she said, adding that the transition would not happen overnight. This website has limited functionality with javascript off. While The Foundation’s first report has taken a European perspective, I believe that its lessons are relevant at a global level. reports applied a systemic approach to framing The Circular Economy Package gives a clear signal to economic operators that the EU is using all the tools available to transform its economy, opening the way to new business opportunities and boosting competitiveness. Friday, 24 January 2020, 11:05 EU circular economy and trade: Improving policy coherence for sustainable development While the circular economy has gained a lot of attention domestically, the impacts of the EU’s shift on the rest of the world through … Circular economy is not just about cities – from consumption patterns to global supply chains, the environmental impact of a business-as-usual approach risks being dire. The framework is used to develop recommendations addressed to European policy-makers on how best to support the transition towards a circular economy in the EU. A simplified model of the circular economy for materials and energy, The circular economy and the bioeconomy — Partners in sustainability. An action-oriented set of methods, mindsets and thought starters to help innovators design circular solutions that are fit for the future. Welcome to the Environment, Climate Change and Green... A group to discuss and support the pragmatic and gradual... An official website of the European Union, European Central Bank|European Court of Auditors, A Wider Circle? “What we are calling for is a greater dialogue in the European Union and to make sure that dialogues are established with developing countries to manage any potential problems, invest in support required for the transition, and more importantly, capitalise on the local benefits that could be generated by employing the circular economy within national development strategies.” With a circular economy strategy providing a way to ‘leapfrog’ from unsustainable development pathways – in turn addressing rising pollution rates and providing for clean jobs – the publication is carefully optimistic about the possibilities if the window of opportunity is taken. The question is not what happens if we get things wrong, but whether we respond at the right pace and on the necessary scale.”, Image credit: Roman Boed/Flickr via Creative Commons license 2.0. circular economy: A circular economy is an industrial system in which the potential use of goods and materials is optimized and their elements returned to the system at the end of their viable life cycles. Despite relatively high recovery rates of used materials, Europe’s construction sector will need to be even more ambitious in its waste management practices if it is to fully embrace Europe’s circular economy. Since 2015, the European Commission has launched two circular economy packages to encourage and steer Europe’s transition towards a more circular economy146. What is the circular economy? In the statement, the Council said: “Today’s Council mandate is the result of intensive work and discussions on all four proposals during three Council Presidencies (Netherlands, Slovakia and Malta). As part of their comprehensive negotiations on the package, of which the UK voted in favour, the EU Commission undertook public consultations on the circular economy in 2013 and 2015. Circular economy to have considerable benefits, but challenges remain. It introduces some of the targets for European countries that are championing the transformation from a linear to a circular economy. Circular economy: definition, importance and benefits The European Union produces more than 2.5 billion tonnes of waste every year. Enter the password to open this PDF file: Order a printed copy on the EU Publications website. Explore our learning hub to learn more about the vision for a circular economy. Learn about the circular economy and how it's being made a reality. Die EU-Rechtsvorschriften für die Abfallwirtschaft werden nun aktualisiert, um den Übergang von einer Linearwirtschaft zu einer Kreislaufwirtschaft zu fördern.Im März 2020 legte die Europäische Kommission einen Aktionsplan für die Kreislaufwirtschaft vor. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/.../circular-economy/20151201STO05603 Furthermore, the New European Consensus on Development refers to this explicitly, he explained – providing a clear mandate to work from. A circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. Introduction. In contrast to the ‘take-make-waste’ linear model, a circular economy is regenerative by design and aims to gradually decouple growth from the consumption of finite resources. For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/circular-economy-in-europe or scan the QR code. The new External Investment Plan and its thematic windows, such as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) financing and sustainable cities, offer useful entry points. The strategy sets out a strong business case for transforming the way products are designed, produced, used, and recycled in the EU while creating new investment opportunities and jobs. Moving to a circular economy is an essential element of the vision that the EU and its Member States defi ned in the 7th Environment Circular systems employ reuse, sharing, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling to create a closed-loop system, minimising the use of resource inputs and the creation of waste, pollution and carbon emissions. A framework for enabling circular business models in Europe The circular economy has become a priority policy topic in Europe (EC, 2015, 2020) and is a key objective of the European Green Deal. While countries with economies focused on the export of raw materials would likely have time to adjust, “the more immediate concern is that countries which currently receive waste from the EU, for example e-waste… may suddenly be faced with a cliff edge problem if European rules are changed.”. This report on the bioeconomy Search the database. Europe uses natural resources unsustainably and the European Union has put in place policies on circular economy and bioeconomy in response. An EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. European policy makers provided a particular push on the debate about a circular economy through the EU Circular Economy Action Plan in 2015 (European Commisssion, 2015). Together, we work to make all flexible packaging in Europe circular … Resource efficiency is essential if we want to decouple economic development from environmental degradation. “I think it’s important we avoid this becoming a discussion where developing countries feel left behind” said Schomaker, addressing the impact circular economy would have on international trade. A new European Environment Agency (EEA) report argues that implementing these two concepts in tandem, by applying specific design principles within a systemic approach, would improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental pressures. In a circular economy, products and materials keep circulating in a high value state of use, through supply chains, for as long as possible. Engineered by: Rizos, Vasileios et. The European Commission has adopted a new Circular Economy Action Plan - one of the main blocks of the European Green Deal, Europe’s new agenda for sustainable growth. Moving towards a more circular economy will reduce pressure on the environment, enhance security of supply of raw materials, increase competitiveness, innovation and growth, and create jobs. Since 2014 the transition to a new and regenerative Circular Economy has become a declared objective of the EU. Drawing on the principle that ‘everything is an input 2 economy). The report also describes possible ways to measure progress and highlights the areas where more attention is required from research and policy in order to turn the concept into reality. evaluation of European circular economy policy from Circular Design - Definition. Otherwise chances are … Over time, one approach to sustainable development has gained traction among economists, policymakers and business people, and has also caught UNIDO’s attention. A majority of this growth is expected to occur in developing and middle-income countries – those with the highest vulnerability to climate change and with the least resources to marshal against it. In my opinion it is important that we agree on a definition soon. Construction and demolition waste: challenges and opportunities in a circular economy. which breaks down the circular economy into eight fundamental building blocks and shows how they are interconnected in relation to the multiplicity of involved actors. To get right to the point: there is no generally accepted definition of it, let alone that circularity is measurable! However, according to a European Environment Agency (EEA) report, published today, circular economy initiatives in Europe are still at an early stage and would benefit from more investments in upscaling promising innovations and in monitoring progress towards circularity. European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform A joint initiative by the European Commission and the European Economic and Social Committee. Preston further explained that circular economy models offer attractive opportunities to counter the erosion of traditional industrialisation opportunities by automation and technological advances. The concept of the circular economy, as propagated by the authoritative Ellen MacArthur Foundation, explains that t… According to Schomaker, private sector engagement with circular economy could reduce risks posed by price volatility, dependency on foreign imports, and lead to savings on raw material costs. The transition to a more circular economy, where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste minimised, is an essential contribution to the EU's efforts to develop a sustainable, low carbon, resource efficient and competitive economy. EU Circular Economy package. Nachdem die EU sich mit dem Circular Economy Action Plan große Ziele gesetzt hat, die Fridays for future Bewegung, Extinction Rebellion und zahllose Wissenschaftler:innen unerbittlich darauf hinweisen, dass unser Umgang mit den auf der Erde vorhandenen Ressourcen nicht in der gewohnten Weise weitergehen wird, formieren sich allerorten Bestrebungen die Kreislaufwirtschaft zu etablieren. 2017: The Circular Economy. The private sector – with headquarters in Europe and supply chains extending through the developing world – will also play a key role. Circular economy is defined as a state in which ‘the value of products, materials, and resources is maintained in the 1. Dr h c Walter R. Stahel is widely recognised as one of the key thinkers in the circular economy. The two previous The CEFLEX ‘Mission Circular’ The Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging (CEFLEX) initiative is a collaboration of over 160 European companies, associations and organisations representing the entire value chain of flexible packaging. Earth's resources are limited and their extraction generates environmental and climate impacts: using them more efficiently helps minimising these impacts. “We need to understand where they come from, where the challenges are, but also where the opportunities that we can promote are. Recognising the importance of waste management and the circular economy to the EU, the revised text states: ‘Improving the efficiency of resource use and ensuring that waste is valued as a resource can contribute to reducing the Union’s dependence on the import of raw materials and facilitate the transition to more sustainable material management and to a circular economy model. “You have countries like Rwanda banning plastic bags, South Africa overhauling its waste system, and India setting up a research panel on the benefits of circularity.”. Schomaker sees the concept gaining a lot of traction in both developed and developing countries. A new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) draws attention to both the benefits and challenges of such an economic transition. “The examples are certainly there – in Kenya, there is a company dealing with e-waste management that in just four years has generated over two thousand jobs.” With the research’s findings that circular economy could boost low-skill jobs in processing waste while allowing for the development of a skilled workforce in remanufacturing. The EU Monitoring Framework for the Circular Economy presented by the Commission in 2018 includes 10 key indicators covering each phase of the lifecycle of products as well as competitiveness aspects. As stated in the CIRTOINNO Project Application : ”As the circular economy is still a new concept in the PPs regions, the project will start with joint research activities (WP3), in … The Plan aims to create an economy “where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste minimized” ( European Commisssion, 2015 , p. 2). One of the requirements for countries willing to join is that they demonstrate commitment from several different ministries, ensuring that engagement is not fragmented at a national level. Check here our editorial guidelines and submit your idea! Die Circular Economy verändert die Produktverantwortung der Hersteller. Nova-Institute, the German institute that has already made many valuable contributions to the bioeconomy, made a brave attempt to find common ground between the circular and the bioeconomy. As we develop the next phase of this work, we ask for your support with a small contribution. Watch Thibaut discuss the work of DEVCO on the circular economy here: Another example is the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), which supports partner countries in developing enabling frameworks. Wast… in support of the framing, implementation and Der aktuelle „Take-Make-Waste“ Ansatz ist damit keine Option mehr. “We do see a lot of benefits from these processes and we’re trying to encourage them at a larger scale,” Portevin said, noting that limited access to finance for green MSME’s remains a barrier to wider uptake. The lack of a commonly accepted and inclusive definition and circularity measurement methodology hampers the transition to a more circular economy. What is a circular economy and how does it benefit you and our planet? “I don’t think we have ever seen a new political concept gain so much traction in such a short time,” said Schomaker. Auch heute bestehende Recyclingsysteme, in denen bedenkliche Materialien im Kreislauf geführt und nach ihrem zweiten oder dritten Einsatz trotzdem zu Müll werden, entsprechen nicht dem Ansatz einer echten Circular Economy. A recycling plant in Rwanda © Rwanda Green Fund/Flickr. Construction and demolition waste (C&DW) comprises the largest waste stream in the EU, with relatively stable amounts produced over time and high recovery rates. Stimulating the circular economy requires extensive policy support at European, national, regional and local levels. This briefing examines how circular economy-inspired actions can help achieve waste policy objectives, namely waste prevention and increase both the quantity and the quality of recycling for C&DW while reducing hazardous materials in the waste. The publication makes the case that in many ways, developing countries are well positioned for the transition due to an existing higher degree of circularity compared to developed countries. policy dimensions and specifically on the interplay of the European Semester and the circular economy. The lack of a commonly accepted and inclusive definition and circularity measurement methodology hampers the transition to a more circular economy. If you have forgotten your password, “We need to demonstrate what works – not discuss what happens if you don’t do it, but really look at the concrete economic growth benefits,” she said. The Circular Economy in Developing Countries, Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE). “I think we’re likely to see these companies really taking a lead in shaping the agenda and working with developing countries to make the circular economy a win-win proposition,” Preston said. reuse and recycling of elements prevails: minimize production to a bare minimum Do something for our planet, print this page only if needed. from version 21.1.30, Software version: an environmental perspective. All indicators are regularly updated and available on a dedicated website 8.. Whereas resources are extracted, refined into objects for sale, and discarded for use in classical growth models, a circular approach looks to close the loop. This page presents an overview of these available tools and highlights their area of intervention in the different steps of the Circular Economy. This study has identified several promising options for eco-modulation of fees: 1. With a population predicted to grow to 9.6 billion by 2050, according to the UN, and increasing resource scarcity to match – shifting to a sustainable economic model is quickly becoming an imperative. The circular economy aims to keep products, equipment and infrastructure in use for longer, thus improving the productivity of these resources. a circular economy and to the products “What we’re hearing from ministries of industry and senior offices, is that they want to understand how it’s connected to the ambitions they have for their population to move up the development ladder and create more jobs,” Preston said.
circular economy definition eu 2021