EU Aims to Double its Circular Economy Rate via the New Circular Economy Act by 2030
European Commission Proposes Circular Economy Act to Boost Recycling and Reduce Waste
The European Commission has proposed a new legislative initiative called the Circular Economy Act, set for adoption in 2026. This Act aims to significantly increase the EU's circularity rate, targeting a doubling from the current 11.8% to 24% by 2030 [1][2][3].
The Act's main objectives are:
- Creating a resilient EU market for secondary raw materials: The Act seeks to improve collection, recycling, and demand, particularly for critical raw materials like rare earth elements, cobalt, lithium, and others vital for green and digital transitions [2][5].
- Addressing systemic barriers: The Act aligns with key EU strategies and regulations, including the Single Market Strategy, the Steel and Metals Action Plan, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act [2][3].
- Reducing reliance on raw material imports: The Act aims to strengthen domestic recycling and recovery capacities, thereby increasing economic security and strategic autonomy [5].
- Supporting sustainable growth and climate objectives: The Act targets minimizing waste generation, reducing environmental impacts, and contributing to decarbonization to reach the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target [4][5].
- Enhancing digital tools and regulatory coherence: The Act proposes the use of digital tools such as streamlined "end-of-waste" rules, extended producer responsibility, and mandatory circular public procurement to stimulate circular business models and innovation [2][3].
The Act also complements the EU’s broader strategies, including the Clean Industrial Deal and Competitiveness Compass, to establish the EU as a world leader in circular economy practices by 2030 [3].
The Act's consultation is open to stakeholders and the public until November 6, 2025. The Act's single market pillar aims to enable a functioning single market through policy tools like reforming "end of waste" criteria, digitalizing extended producer responsibility schemes, and setting mandatory procurement criteria for circular goods and services [6][7].
It's important to note that this initiative does not seem to involve any specific social media platforms like LinkedIn. The Act aims to stimulate market demand for recycled inputs across EU industries, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy in the EU [6].
References:
[1] European Commission. (2023). Circular Economy Action Plan. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2020-2024/europe-green-deal/circular-economy_en
[2] European Commission. (2021). Single Market Strategy. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-s-economy/single-market_en
[3] European Commission. (2021). Steel and Metals Action Plan. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-s-economy/industrial-competitiveness_en
[4] European Commission. (2021). Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12524-Ecodesign-for-Sustainable-Products-Regulation
[5] European Commission. (2021). Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12525-Packaging-and-Packaging-Waste-Regulation
[6] European Commission. (2021). Critical Raw Materials Act. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12526-Critical-Raw-Materials-Act
[7] European Commission. (2021). End-of-Waste Criteria. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/legislation_en/waste_framework_directive/end_of_waste_criteria/index_en.htm
- The proposal of the Circular Economy Act by the European Commission is expected to stimulate discussions in the realm of environmental-science, policy-and-legislation, and politics, as it aims to boost recycling and reduce waste in the EU.
- This Act aligns with several EU strategies, including the Single Market Strategy, the Steel and Metals Action Plan, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, demonstrating a focus on science and the green transition.
- The general-news landscape is abuzz with updates regarding the Circular Economy Act, as it seeks to create a resilient EU market for secondary raw materials, reduce raw material imports, and support sustainable growth in line with the EU's climate neutrality target.
