The French National Institute for Circular Economy (INEC) has published this paper which aims to use schools - a place familiar to all - as showcases for the circular economy. It contains a series of good practices (for public and private actors, youth) comprising over 40 territorial initiatives and 50 operational solutions, on the following themes:
school buildings (construction, renovation)
energy supply
inner/outer spatial planning
stationery-equipment-furniture
school cleaning (products and apparel, staff training)
food loop (local and sustainable food, waste, water fountains)
Regenerating nature requires an economic transformation. To halt and reverse biodiversity loss, we need to fundamentally transform the way we produce, use, and consume our products and food. Conservation and restoration efforts alone – crucial though they are – will not be enough. The circular economy offers a framework for such a transformation. Applied together, its three principles are able to help tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss and enable the regeneration of nature. These biodiversity benefits can be demonstrated across different industry sectors, as shown in this new study by Ellen MacArthur Foundation. This paper also highlights the key steps businesses and policymakers can take to scale the circular economy potential and help shape a nature-positive future.
France adopted its comprehensive Anti-waste Law in 2020. The law aims to eliminate waste and pollution from the design stage and transform the system of production, distribution and consumption from a linear to a circular economic model. It encourages businesses across various sectors, municipalities and citizens to eliminate waste and adopt more circular practices.
Policymakers, municipalities, NGOs and businesses worked together with the public administration to identify a richer range of needs, solutions and policy measures. As a result, the law is ambitious and contributes to a system-wide transition towards a circular economy.
Circular Valley aims to establish a future-oriented circular economy.
It was founded in 2021, and already over 100 startups from all around the world have participated in its Circular Economy Accelerator.
It is funded by the North-Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Economy with a view to leveraging and developing the region's strengths through innovative circular economy concepts, products and business models.
Members can connect up with 140+ partners from industry, R&D and government from the Circular Valley network. The platform also organises expert workshops, tailor-made training sessions and an intensive coaching and mentoring programme.
Welcome to the circular economy event of the year, World Circular Economy Forum 2021, on 13-15 September 2021!
Hosted for the first time in North America, WCEF 2021 will focus on the system level changes, or “game changers,” needed to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
ReNewTex is an innovation network aiming to help tap synergies and graduallytransform the carpet and rug industry from a linear to a circular business sector.
It works as a moderated matchmaking platform where people can connect to further common ideas and needs through technological projects. After finding the topics, it supports companies in finding the right investment strategy and getting the project going.
ReNewTex hosts talks on sustainability or on specific topics. ZENIT, the agency for innovation and European affairs of the German State of North Rhine-Westphalia, moderates the talks, looking for new members and support with project planning and funding.
Interested in contributing to EU efforts to fight food loss and waste? Don’t miss the opportunity to submit your application!
The Commission is calling for applications from private sector organisations with expertise and proven track record in food waste prevention to re-establish, together with public entities, the EU Platform on Food Losses and Food Waste for its second mandate (2022-2026).
Based in Barcelona, Rezero is a non-profit organisation that, in collaboration with social and economic actors in Spain, aims to push the model of production and consumption towards zero waste.
Rezero looks for new solutions to extend the life of products and materials by facilitating reuse and eliminate the generation of household waste.
It has a section for information, analysis and debate, where initiatives aiming to achieve a zero-waste society are tested. There is also a section on zero-waste projects. Rezero offers advice and support to companies aiming to reduce their footprint.
Recyclo aims to be a catalyst for the circular economy, helping urban areas be more resource efficient through better waste management and recovery.
It is a cooperative, which identifies problems, proposes solutions and helps implement them. It provides consultancy, training and business development, with the objective of raising awareness about urban waste. It works with public authorities, businesses and civic platforms, promoting a zero waste approach.
It works with waste management companies, and has set up a collection service geared to the needs of businesses. It has also organised a network of compost sites across Brussels, supplied with organic waste by restaurants and bars.
