The EU legislature has been working on legislation to transform the European economy into a circular one. One of the focal points of that legislation is the extension of the useful lifespan of products on the EU market.
This report analyses the legislative initiatives containing such measures. First, it describes their potential impact for the Belgian and Flemish policy level. Second, it explains their potential impact on businesses active in the Flemish region. Third, it describes how Belgian policymakers could help ensure that EU legislation reaches the fullest circular potential within its framework.
It also highlights potential shortcomings of EU legislation, where Belgian policymakers could consider advocating changes to that framework at EU level.
This research aims to map the magnitude and value associated with repair as a circular strategy in Flanders.
Repair is a key element in any circular economy strategy, preventing resource depletion, keeping goods in circulation longer, and reducing environmental impacts related to the energy needed for new products. However, the development of metrics to measure progress in scaling up repair efforts is incomplete. Knowledge gaps exist in sectors such as textiles and furniture, while more is known about electronic and digital devices.
The study concludes with recommendations to promote a repair culture, focus on textiles, recognise the value of informal repair activities, encourage repair skill acquisition, address gendered patterns and combat the throwaway culture that hinders repair.
Italy's seventh National Circular Economy Conference will focus on Circularity to Boost Made in Italy.
It will look at how strengthening circular practices can help revive the Made in Italy brand and enhance the competitiveness of key industrial sectors. This is particularly relevant given the ongoing decline in national industrial output which has been exacerbated by recent global instability and trade barriers. The conference will also review the implementation of the Green Deal and recent policy developments at both EU and national levels.
Insect farming is becoming more common, with plenty of people trying their hand at it. Like any other type of farming, however, it takes knowledge – and that is where Insect Farm Hub comes in. It aims to share knowledge about black soldier fly farming.
Circul'R and Loop have recently launched the reuse coalition for household, beauty and hygiene products in supermarkets. This webinar will present the coalition to interested brands.
The COM4PHA research project is working on developing new bioplastics for use in the packaging and agricultural sectors. The new formulations for packaging will be biodegradable and compostable, and the coating formulations will improve product quality and extend shelf life.
The EU Ecolabel is the official European Union voluntary label for environmental excellence. It's doing well, which is good news for businesses and consumers. See the latest facts and figures!
The Forest Stewardship Council is committed to protecting healthy, resilient forests for everyone and forever.
With forests facing growing demand and pressure, they see the need to explore new solutions ensuring the best use and continuous circulation of forest-based fibres. This round table discussion will look at how this can be done.
The transition to a circular economy requires more than just recycling and material recovery: it will take a fundamental shift in how businesses operate. Product-as-a-Service is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a model that prioritises access over ownership, optimises resource efficiency and reduces waste.
This WCEF accelerator session will look at how businesses successfully implement this model and the challenges and opportunities along the way.
This year, EU Green Week will focus on circular solutions for a competitive EU. It will explore how the EU economy can speed up the transition from linear to circular models of production and consumption.
