The European Commission has launched an open public consultation to offer users of imaging equipment and stakeholders involved in all areas of the value chain (original equipment manufacturers, component suppliers, users, repairers, remanufacturers of cartridges, recyclers, etc.) the opportunity to express their views on how to best address the policy challenges outlined in the call for evidence for this initiative. The initiative aims to ensure that:
imaging equipment, such as printers, is designed to be energy- and resource-efficient
consumers have the information needed to use their devices sustainably, including through maintenance and repair
the generation of waste through the use of consumables (e.g. ink cartridges) is minimised.
On 3 July, the Court of Auditors issued a special report on the roll-out of the circular economy in the EU, entitled "Circular economy: slow transition by member states despite EU action".
The report provides recommendations on monitoring and investments. These are currently being addressed by the Commission which will take them into account when developing future circular economy policies.
In recent years, plastic waste generation has become a prime concern in the global political arena.
A dedicated strategy on plastics was adopted at EU level, leading to the Single-Use Plastics Directive. Nonetheless, plastic waste management data show that achieving a circular economy for plastics in the EU is still a long way off. Available studies suggest that plastic waste generation may stay high in the future or even increase without ambitious circularity policies.
This report looks at the challenges associated with plastic waste generation and discusses the potential for using chemical recycling technologies as part of an ecosystem of solutions for increasing the circularity of plastics. It is based on evidence collected through desk-research.
CircEUlar is a four-year European Research and Innovation Action that will develop new modelling approaches for analysing circularity from a systems perspective.
On 27 June 2023, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform (ZPSP) will host the first in a series of Zero Pollution Talks. The launch event on "Zero Pollution & the European Year of Skills" will be held online on 27 June at 15:00 – 16:00 CEST.
These online events are intended to foster stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange with a view to raising awareness and tackling a wide range of issues related to zero pollution, including circularity. The Talks will bring together a diverse set of stakeholders, including experts and policymakers, for an hour-long, online interactive discussion. The sessions will be recorded to create a zero pollution knowledge base.
The Circular Republic Festival will take place from 15 to 18 November 2023. Join top circular economy visionaries for innovation, networking and inspiration. Showcase initiatives, meet relevant players and be inspired by good practices. Experience keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops and online collaboration. We want to accelerate the circular economy together!
In view of the ongoing regulatory developments in the field of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, this in-person event on 4 July will discuss the potential of using chemical recycling technologies as part of an ecosystem of solutions for increasing circularity of plastics.
Accumulating environmental and climate pressures and impacts are bringing unprecedented sustainability challenges. These problems are largely caused by unsustainable consumption, and require a fundamental shift in production and consumption systems in Europe and beyond.
Pressures and impacts from consumption can be reduced by:
consuming differently by shifting to less material-intensive options and using renewable or recycled materials,
consuming less through, for example, longer product lifespans or sharing models that can reduce the demand for new products, and
scaling up circular product design that enables circular consumption and reduces environmental impact.
Europe and the world face unprecedented sustainability challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, resource depletion and pollution. These challenges are largely caused by unsustainable consumption as countries strive for economic growth and people pursue well-being.
Environmental and climate pressures and impacts from consumption accumulate over the years, and many ecosystems are now under pressure beyond their regeneration capacity. Scientific evidence suggests that the pressures associated with Europe's consumption are so high that the planet's ability to recover from them is seriously compromised.
GO CHAMPLAST is a circular economy project that will produce advanced char from the waste substrate of mushroom cultivation and compostable films to replace current fossil products.
ASOCHAMP, AIMPLAS and the companies Ingelia and SAV are developing this project to increase farm profitability by using advanced materials and reducing costs associated with treating agricultural waste.
