VAIVÉN 2023: Circular Economy Festival is a meeting and exchange space of the Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean that seeks to promote and celebrate the development of the circular economy in the region.

The Transition Pathway for the Textiles Ecosystem was published on 6 June 2023. It is an EU initiative which seeks to build a greener, more circular and digital future for the textiles ecosystem and to make it more resilient and competitive. The pathway, the outcome of a co-creation process with stakeholders, is a comprehensive framework that identifies specific actions. 50 actions have been outlined within eight building blocks, with a timeframe for implementation and a clear picture of the key actors involved. This is a call for commitments.

The European Commission has launched three calls for input: on eco-design requirements and labelling of electronic displays, on the WEEE Directive and on the new end-of-life vehicle rules.

Do you feel strongly about any of these issues? Then tell the Commission!

Sitra, the organiser of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2024, is opening a call for the leading European companies working on circular solutions for nature. Is your company involved in fighting against biodiversity loss using circular economy principles?

WCEF is compiling a list of companies to be featured at next year’s WCEF. Apply by 30 September to be included in the new list!

The BioICEP project aims to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics.

The project has used an innovative cascade process by applying and combining chemical and biological methods to turn fossil-based plastic waste into natural, biodegradable substitutes to be used in the packaging and pharma industries.
 

The new Horizon Europe Cluster 6 calls for proposals related to the circular economy will be open for submissions between 17 October 2023 and 22 February 2024. EUR 120 million will be available in the form of grants to cover safe, integrated circular solutions at regional and sectoral levels for important material flows and product value chains.

Attend the hybrid Info Day event on 28 September 2023 for more information.

Selling or buying reconditioned items? Learn what the process involves in France!

To be recognised as reconditioned in France, an item has to follow a series of compulsory steps.

Sellers must be fully transparent about the source(s) of the product they are selling, reconditioning must take place on the premises where the product is sold or very close by. The product warranty must  be extended to two years. Reconditioners should preferably use green transport and must be aware of their Extended Producer Responsibility and provide recycling bins for batteries, electrical appliances, etc. The original packaging should be preferably be used for packing the reconditioned goods.

These are just some of the rules that must be abided by in order to sell reconditioned items in France. 

The European Commission has launched the LIFE Programme’s 2023 Calls for project proposals, making €611 million available for nature conservation, environmental protection, climate action, and clean energy transition projects. €81 million are set aside for projects in the field of circular economy and quality of life.

Do you know any outstanding organisations dedicated to awareness raising and citizen engagement on the circular economy? As CE experts and members of the circular community, you are invited to share links and insights into these Centres of Excellence via a survey which is being carried out by the Citizens Engagement and Behaviour Change Leadership Group.

If you want to help shape EU plans for a more sustainable built environment, it is time to have your say by responding to a consultation that supports the development of a new Commission roadmap for reducing whole life carbon in the building sector.