This report supports the implementation of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation within the framework of the European Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan 2.0.
Prepared by the Joint Research Centre for the Directorate-General for Environment, it draws on contributions from external contractors, over 25 000 EU citizens and more than 250 expert stakeholders. The study addresses the fragmentation of waste-sorting labels across Member States, a key barrier to efficient recycling and the functioning of the internal market.
The technical proposal sets out a harmonised system of waste-sorting labels for packaging and receptacles across the EU, geared to removing market barriers while ensuring that consumers receive clear, consistent and actionable sorting instructions.
A new EU-funded project has been launched to develop a deposit-return system for used textiles across Europe. Known as TexMat, the initiative will reward consumers for returning reusable and recyclable items, while notifying producers when discarded textiles require waste management.
This exclusive briefing and networking event will provide an overview of the current situation and challenges related to war debris and hazardous waste management in Ukraine and highlight investment and business opportunities for companies and stakeholders interested in contributing to Ukraine’s circular recovery and reconstruction.
The 2019 Single-Use Plastics Directive addresses the problem of marine - principally plastic - litter. It will be evaluated next year, and the process is starting with a public consultation. Give your views by 17 March!
Waste To Resources Latvia - boosting regional sustainability and circularity is a Lifeproject which provides a framework for coordinating, testing and scaling up circular economy solutions at national level, involving multiple partners and thematic implementation areas.
So far, it has launched national digital platforms for reuse and industrial symbiosis, improved data availability and decision-support tools for the waste management sector, and enhanced quality assurance of secondary materials through an accredited polymer testing laboratory.
This workshop will look at how laboratory-trained bacteria can help restore polluted soils and waters, and how policy and regulatory frameworks can support circular outcomes while safeguarding public health and the environment.
SustainableSolutionsMatch empowers European businesses on their path to a sustainable and circular economy. It brings solution seekers and providers together to tackle real challenges and find practical answers.
Every year, our global economy consumes around 100 billion tonnes of resources — three quarters of which it cannot replenish. This reliance on a constant flow of virgin raw materials leaves our economies increasingly exposed to price shocks, supply disruptions and the universal inefficiencies of resource waste. One direct way to relieve this pressure is to keep materials circulating at their highest value.
Part of a policy series on accelerating the circular economy transition, this brief sets out a targeted approach to keeping materials in use. A focused mix of policies can promote design, business models, and incentives that favour reuse, repair and remanufacturing alongside regenerative practices such as cascading, composting and returning nutrients to soil.
the call for evidence focuses too much on measures to enhance collection and recycling and too little on prevention, repair and reuse;
tackling consumption rates and increasing reuse will also reduce the EU’s reliance on imports;
welcomes the move to develop EPR schemes but feels that the non-profit sector and other key stakeholders involved in the design and implementation process should be involved as well as producers;
more effective circularity metrics and targets are needed, including separate targets for consumption reduction, repair, reuse and preparation for reuse;
dedicated and sufficient financial mechanisms and funding streams are needed to ensure the viability of prevention, repair and reuse initiatives across the EU.
