The circular economy's contribution to saving virgin raw materials is a widely recognised principle. Its contribution to climate neutrality is still underestimated. Quantifying this contribution and using it in economic tools driving the energy transition will be very helpful when it comes to meeting the EU's objectives.

Maximising the use of secondary materials and so avoiding the extraction and consumption of raw materials is one of the pillars of the circular economy. It is also key for the competitiveness of European industry, and a priority for circular economy and related policies, such as policies on critical and strategic materials and the Clean Industrial Deal. Unfortunately, the EU circular material use rate in 2023 was just 11.8%. 

Another major selling point of secondary raw materials is their footprint. The energy consumption and CO₂ generated throughout their lifecycle can be significantly lower than those of corresponding primary materials. 

This workshop will explore how tools and policies for boosting the market in and use of secondary materials can exploit the energy and environmental performance of secondary materials.

This EU Green Week Partner Event is organised by ENEA, the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, and Utilitalia, the Italian Utilities Federation covering water, the environment and energy. It will take place online at 10:00-12:30 CEST on 30 June in English. Registration and programme.