In the previous report on the material flow analysis for Flanders in the period 2002-2018, the economy-wide material flow analysis (EW-MFA) methodology developed by Eurostat was applied to Flanders to estimate and explain the indicators:

• direct material input (DMI), domestic material consumption (DMC),
• raw material input (RMI) and
• raw material consumption (RMC).

Next to applying the EW-MFA methodology, the material footprint of Flanders was estimated via input-output (IO) calculations.

This study addresses the material flows within the economy of Flanders. The accounting of these flows and mapping efforts form the basis for the measuring step which includes the derivation of macro-economic indicators. One of these indicators, the circularity index, is elaborated in detail. The data requirements, policy relevance and improvements to this indicator are discussed.

The conceptual modelling of circular economy (CE) scenarios helps further understand the circularity index indicator. This report contains the background to the material flow framework developed for Flanders (2018) and the circular material use rated indicator (CMUR) (2014-2016-2018). Both the framework and the CMUR are summarised in the indicator fact sheet which will become part of the CE Monitor for Flanders.