As the EU seeks to advance its transition towards circular economy, civil society organisations – backed by academic insights – are calling for a bioeconomy strategy that places sustainability, environmental resilience and social well-being on an equal footing. 

This paper provides a multi-actor perspective to the challenges involved, focusing on sustainability, economic development (especially in rural areas) and regulatory frameworks. It highlights gaps in the existing strategy and proposes policy recommendations for policymakers and research institutions.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes are an important tool for circularity advancement. However, there is still considerable room for improvement in their form as well as scale.

The Economic Incentives Leadership Group has prepared this white paper in order to participate in the discussion on the future of EPR schemes as a crucial instrument for circular transformation.

How can a circular built environment contribute to climate change and mitigation in the EU?This 4-page report on Achieving EU's Climate Goals through Circular Construction was produced by the ECESP's Leadership Group on Buildings and Infrastructure.

The ECESP is pleased to share with you the issue paper assembling the key takeaways of the November 2022 event How can EPR promote sustainable consumption and production?

This Reflection paper of the ECESP Leadership Group on Network governance and circular economy hubs draws on the lessons learned when a group of ECESP Coordination Group members focused on road-mapping processes in various countries. The key to success is making the networks work, making them actionable, with a focus on network governance and the role of individual circular economy hubs. 

The built environment has a significant impact on a multitude of sectors, on local jobs and on quality of life. The construction sector accounts approximately for 50% of materials extracted in Europe, and is responsible for more than 35% of Europe's waste.

The idea for a new Leadership Group specifically on Circular Procurement started during the ECESP Annual Event in 2020. Twenty-two organisations decided to harness the enormous potential of procurement to accelerate the circular economy in Europe. This outcome document focuses on the Sustainable Products Initiative and mandatory requirements as a driver of the CEAP.

The Leadership Group on Food waste, food systems and the bioeconomy has been working since November 2020 to highlight and raise awareness of the importance and complexity of food systems and the bioeconomy as a driver of the transition towards a circular economy in Europe.

Cities and local areas play a major role regionally in promoting the launch and implementation of systemic changes needed for the transition towards a circular economy. The ECESP Leadership Group on Cities and Regions focuses on this approach. In 2021, three meetings and two EU Circular Talks (EUCT) were organised.

The circular transition must be accompanied by a systemic change in the architecture of the tax system to head towards circular taxation, as the inherited tax system of today reinforces the linear economic model. A thorough examination of all aspects of tax design and its effects is needed during the process of switching to circular taxation.