Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe
Country
Type of law
Policy
Abstract
This EU policy aims at moving to more circular economic models to improve resource efficiency and productivity throughout value chains whilst improving resilience and competitiveness of Europe. To this end, this policy lays down strategies in accordance with the existing objectives of Community policy such as reducing carbon emission, increasing energy efficiency, sustainable reindustrialisation of the EU economy, securing access to raw materials, and reducing environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.
Transition to a more circular economy will be achieved through changes all along the value chains, from product design to new business and market models, from new ways of turning waste into a resource to new modes of consumer behaviour, in order to reduce costs and dependence on natural resources, boost growth and jobs, as well as limit waste and harmful emissions to the environment. An enabling framework will be developed for the circular economy using measures which combine smart regulation, market-based instruments, research and innovation, incentives, information exchange and support for voluntary approaches. The life cycle of products will be lengthened by designing production processes, products and services which will be based on the reusability of products and raw materials, and the restorative capacity of natural resources. Investment in the circular economy will be encouraged, and circular economy priorities will be integrated into EU funding and Member States will be encouraged to use available EU funding in programmes and projects on the circular economy. Incentives will be provided between producers, investors, distributors, consumers and recyclers. Market mechanisms will be employed to ensure the most efficient allocation and use of resources. New businesses, in particular small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, will be supported to enter into potential new markets linked to circular economy, and it will be ensured that the necessary skills base is available in the labour market. Consumers will be empowered to make informed choices through better information on green credentials of different products.
In order to use waste as a resource, waste management will be improved, innovation in recycling and reuse will be stimulated, landfilling will be limited, losses of resources will be reduced and incentives for behavioural change will be created. Waste targets will be defined for a move to a recycling society, and the policy framework will be strengthened to create longer-term predictability for investment and change so that materials, such as plastics, glass, metals, paper, wood, rubber and other recyclables, re-enter the economy as secondary raw materials at competitive prices. Landfilling of all recyclable waste will be prevented by 2025. More efficient use of the energy recovery capacity will be made available in the EU, including waste-to-energy recovery and use of biofuels with respect to non-reusable and non-recyclable waste. Measures will be taken to further simplify and improve the implementation of waste legislation at national level and to reduce the current disparities. Moreover, an early warning mechanism will be established to ensure that Member States put in place an appropriate set of measures to meet targets on time. This policy addresses particular waste challenges related to significant loss of resources or environmental impacts, such as waste prevention, marine litter, construction and demolition waste, food waste, plastic waste, hazardous waste, recycling of critical raw materials, illegal waste shipments, and recycling of phosphorus. National food-waste prevention strategies will be developed by the Member States to ensure that food waste in the manufacturing, retail/distribution, food service/hospitality sectors and households is reduced by at least 30 % by 2025. Resource efficiency targets will be set by taking into account the economic, social and environmental aspects. Resource productivity will be increased to contribute significantly to the sustainability dimension of growth, as well as to job creation and growth of GDP.
Transition to a more circular economy will be achieved through changes all along the value chains, from product design to new business and market models, from new ways of turning waste into a resource to new modes of consumer behaviour, in order to reduce costs and dependence on natural resources, boost growth and jobs, as well as limit waste and harmful emissions to the environment. An enabling framework will be developed for the circular economy using measures which combine smart regulation, market-based instruments, research and innovation, incentives, information exchange and support for voluntary approaches. The life cycle of products will be lengthened by designing production processes, products and services which will be based on the reusability of products and raw materials, and the restorative capacity of natural resources. Investment in the circular economy will be encouraged, and circular economy priorities will be integrated into EU funding and Member States will be encouraged to use available EU funding in programmes and projects on the circular economy. Incentives will be provided between producers, investors, distributors, consumers and recyclers. Market mechanisms will be employed to ensure the most efficient allocation and use of resources. New businesses, in particular small- and medium-scale entrepreneurs, will be supported to enter into potential new markets linked to circular economy, and it will be ensured that the necessary skills base is available in the labour market. Consumers will be empowered to make informed choices through better information on green credentials of different products.
In order to use waste as a resource, waste management will be improved, innovation in recycling and reuse will be stimulated, landfilling will be limited, losses of resources will be reduced and incentives for behavioural change will be created. Waste targets will be defined for a move to a recycling society, and the policy framework will be strengthened to create longer-term predictability for investment and change so that materials, such as plastics, glass, metals, paper, wood, rubber and other recyclables, re-enter the economy as secondary raw materials at competitive prices. Landfilling of all recyclable waste will be prevented by 2025. More efficient use of the energy recovery capacity will be made available in the EU, including waste-to-energy recovery and use of biofuels with respect to non-reusable and non-recyclable waste. Measures will be taken to further simplify and improve the implementation of waste legislation at national level and to reduce the current disparities. Moreover, an early warning mechanism will be established to ensure that Member States put in place an appropriate set of measures to meet targets on time. This policy addresses particular waste challenges related to significant loss of resources or environmental impacts, such as waste prevention, marine litter, construction and demolition waste, food waste, plastic waste, hazardous waste, recycling of critical raw materials, illegal waste shipments, and recycling of phosphorus. National food-waste prevention strategies will be developed by the Member States to ensure that food waste in the manufacturing, retail/distribution, food service/hospitality sectors and households is reduced by at least 30 % by 2025. Resource efficiency targets will be set by taking into account the economic, social and environmental aspects. Resource productivity will be increased to contribute significantly to the sustainability dimension of growth, as well as to job creation and growth of GDP.
Attached files
Date of text
Repealed
No
Publication reference
European Commission.
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No