Barriers and enablers for implementing circular economy business models
The circular economy is a key element of the European Green Deal as a concept that can support the transition towards a more sustainable growth model. While in recent years there has been a growth of circular economy industrial applications, evidence suggests that the uptake of circular approaches in many sectors is still limited. This […]
Chemical recycling: what role for the EU’s circularity and decarbonisation objectives?
Plastics have enjoyed exceptional growth in production for decades and are used extensively across a multitude of sectors including packaging, construction, electronics, automotive and agriculture. Prompted by concerns over plastic waste generation and impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, in 2018 the European Commission published a strategy on plastics which was followed by legislative actions […]
Framing the Circular Economy as an EU recovery opportunity
Recovery from the Covid-19 crisis presents an important and unique opportunity for the EU to accelerate its transition towards a climate-neutral and circular economy. While there is little dispute about the opportunities offered by the funds available for the low-carbon and circular economy, the longer-term impact on Europe’s decarbonisation trajectory will depend on the choices […]
An innovation policy to meet the EU’s Green Deal Circular Economy goals
The shift towards a circular economy requires considerable political will. Fortunately, both the national and EU Covid-19 recovery packages offer a way to accelerate this shift. A dynamic and coordinated circular economy research and innovation approach across EU member states will form one pillar of this transition. Technical and societal challenges also demand economies of […]
Circular economy for climate neutrality
The previous Commission policy on resources management was part of the priority for jobs and growth and economic competitiveness. The circular economy will be no less important for the new political priority of climate neutrality; it will become one of the indispensable elements for meeting the EU’s ambitions. EU climate policy and the circular economy […]