Policy makers and the Nordic business community will come together for a webinar on 16 June at 11:00-12:15 CET (Teams) to discuss how policy should be shaped to ensure sustainability and circularity in future products and material cycles.

Under the European Green Deal, and as part of the new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the European Commission will present the Sustainable Products Initiative. The initiative is expected to bring substantial changes in terms of product design and production, business models and consumption patterns. The Commission has identified the broadening of the scope of the Ecodesign Directive, beyond energy-related products, as a key measure in making products fit for a climate neutral, resource-efficient, and circular economy. The Nordic business confederations welcome the initiative and the new business opportunities it presents. Their intention is to contribute to the shaping of a product policy that reinforces the Union's position as a frontrunner within circular economy.

Also as part of the CEAP, the European Commission recently published its Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation proposal. It is a welcome intiative as it is necessary to secure the competitive advantage of the European sustainable raw-material production and refining. It is also important to further build up battery technology, production capacity and secure the supply of critical raw materials in the EU. Having a strong battery value chain is strategically important for Europe and offers exceptional business opportunities to European companies. It is not possible to force new technological innovations, but it is possible to create an environment where innovations have room and time to flourish.

The Nordic countries have high ambitions for climate and environmental action, and the business community is ready to deliver circular solutions. A joint position from the Nordic business confederations on how best this can can be done, will be presented in connection to the webinar.

Speakers

11:00-11:35 | Session one: The Sustainable Products Initiative

• Paola Migliorini, Deputy Head of Unit, Sustainable, Production Products and Consumption, DG Environment, European Commission
• Dan Molander, Director Sales, Kinnarps
• Karen S. Andreassen | Standardisation and Product Regulation Manager, WindowMaster International

11:35-12:15 | Session two: The Batteries and Waste Batteries Regulation

• Karin Karlsbro | Shadow Rapporteur for the Batteries Regulation (Renew, Sweden)
• Elsi Katainen | Shadow Rapporteur for the Batteries Regulation (Renew, Finland)
• Janne Koivisto | Public Affairs Manager, Fortum
• Hege Norheim | EVP HR, Sustainability & Communications, Freyr

For registration please click here.