With lively interactive discussions and interesting updates, it covered key legislative developments relating to the circular economy and bioeconomy and gave stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions and express their views. European Commission representatives briefly described key policies and their intended impact and participants pointed to issues of concern.

The overall conclusion was that the circular economy is increasingly necessary in these uncertain geopolitical circumstances but that it must be a viable business case. A principle is all very well, but companies have to survive and make a profit. One key factor is the market for secondary raw materials: increasing amounts of them are available but take-up is still hesitant.

The bioeconomy is another crucial issue: if biodiversity and climate are the goals, then the circular economy and bioeconomy are tools for achieving them.

If you took part, please do fill out the survey. The recordings of the sessions will be available here shortly!