On December 2, 2015 the European Commission announced that it has adopted a new Circular Economy Package to make the transition to a more sustainable economy, boost competitiveness and create jobs. The proposed actions aim to close the loop of product lifecycles: From production and consumption to waste management and the market for secondary raw materials. Measures shall be put in place “to promote reparability, durability and recyclability of products, in addition to energy efficiency.” Further, there is a strategy on plastics concerning recyclability, biodegradability and the presence of hazardous substances. The EC now calls on the European Parliament (EP) and Council to prioritize adoption and implementation of the new legislative proposals.
The non-profit organization CHEM Trust welcomes the EC’s commitment and urges that the Circular Economy Package “needs to be rapidly transformed into concrete measures to ensure hazardous chemicals don’t get in the way of the circular economy.” Further, Michael Warhurst of CHEM Trust emphasized that “the only sustainable circular economy is a clean one, with hazardous materials phased out.”
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EC (December 2, 2015). “Closing the loop: Commission adopts ambitious new Circular Economy Package to boost competitiveness, create jobs and generate sustainable growth.”
Michael Warhurst (December 2, 2015). “New EU circular economy plan aims to promote non-toxic material cycles.” CHEM Trust
EP (December 2, 2015). «Circular economy: the importance of re-using products and materials.»
JRC (December 2, 2015). «JRC support to Circular Economy Package.»
FEVE (December 2, 2015). «European container glass industry welcomes long awaited Circular Economy Package.”
Cefic (December 2, 2015). «Cefic’s statement on the publication of the Commission’s strategy for a Circular Economy.»
Plastics Europe (December 3, 2015). «PlasticsEurope welcomes the EC’s Circular Economy Package.»
Plastics News (December 3, 2015). “European Commission launches revised plans for Circular Economy.”
Plastics News Europe (December 3, 2015). “PlasticsEurope supports EC’s new Circular Economy Package.”
Jenny Eagle (December 3, 2015). “Circular Economy: Part I – What does the future hold now?” Food Production Daily
Jenny Eagle (December 3, 2015). “Circular Economy: Part II – Serious concerns over long-term plans for investment.” Food Production Daily
Plastics News Europe (December 4, 2015). “EuPC welcomes EC’s Circular Economy proposal but raises concerns.”
Jenny Eagle (December 11, 2015). «Debate rages on over revised Circular Economy Package.» Food Production Daily
European Bioplastics (December 2015). «Commission’s Circular Economy Proposal leaves room for more ambitious actions on bio-industries.«
