The circular economy is the only way for Europe to grow and deliver much needed jobs and investment while minimising environmental impacts. Hence EuRIC, the European Recycling Industries Confederation, welcomes the commitment of the European Commission to propose a 'more ambitious' package. To deliver, this package needs to address some key issues:
- Implement, with clear milestones, a holistic approach to the circular economy.This means, in practice, thinking 'circular' from products' design stage to ease end-of-life recycling and bring materials back into the production chain;
- Agree on higher and harmonized recycling targets while keeping a firm hand on the basics of the waste legislation, through better enforcement to tackle illegal activities and banning landfill of recyclables in accordance with the waste hierarchy;
- Alleviate administrative burdens which divert resources and hamper recycling companies, in particular SMEs.
On top of this, circular economy requires indeed a 'paradigm shift' that sees waste as a resource. As with any resource, recyclables and recycled materials need a competitive market, which incentivizes their use along the value chain. This is why EuRIC calls for a market-driven circular economy and is eager to constructively work with policy makers to make it happen.
Contact:
Mr. Dominique MAGUIN, President, EuRIC
Tel: +32 2 627 5771
Email: euric@euric-aisbl.eu