Politics

There is little sign so far of the EU’s transition to a circular economy, says a report published today by the European Court of Auditors.

EuRIC reiterates its strong support for economic incentives as a powerful tool for the transition to a circular and climate-neutral economy.

Following the first compromise proposals on the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) by the European co-legislators, EuRIC is making an urgent plea to EU decision makers to ensuring that the PPWR delivers on closing the loop.

Unsustainable consumption in Europe and beyond is one of the main drivers of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.

FEAD pledges the commitment of the waste management industry to enhancing recycling targets, after a Commission report indicated that a significant number of EU Member States fall behind in achieving them.

A briefing, published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA), emphasises that, in addition to ongoing efforts to prevent waste, specific circular economy practices in sourcing of raw materials hold significant potential to also protect and enhance biodiversity.

In a report published on thursday, the Commission identifies Member States at risk of not meeting the 2025 preparing for re-use and recycling targets for municipal and all packaging waste and the 2035 landfilling target.

European recyclers warn of a plethora of poorly justified proposed amendments found in ITRE’s draft report on the EU COM proposal on Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) published on 26 and 30 May 2023.

EIT RawMaterials and the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA) have released a roadmap that, if followed and given an investment of at least €15bn, could supply many of the EU’s raw materials needs by 2030 and beyond.

A “huge quantity of metals” – including many designated as “critical” – would be required to meet energy transition objectives and, as a result, security of supply had become a hot topic, explained BIR International Environment Council (IEC) Chairman Olivier François (Galloo) the body’s latest meeting.

Some 73% of used textiles are still destined for energy recovery or for landfilling, whereas only 1% are recycled in a closed loop.