The European Commission has unveiled a Circular Economy Package that looks set to help reduce Europe’s need for imported finite raw materials, instead promoting the use of secondary raw materials and the use of renewable primary materials. It also aims to significantly reduce packaging waste.
The EC is encouraging member states to adopt the circular strategy, suggesting it will save companies EURO 600 billion, create 580,000 jobs and reduce carbon emissions by 450 million tonnes a year.
In terms of packaging, the EC says it wants a common EU target to recycle 65 percent of all municipal waste, 75 percent of all packaging waste by 2030, and a binding landfill maximum of 10 percent of all waste by 2030.
EC Vice President Jyrki Katainen said ‘Today we are saying that Europe is the best place to grow a sustainable and environmentally-friendly business. This transition towards a more circular economy is about reshaping the market economy and improving our competitiveness. If we can be more resource efficient and reduce our dependency on scarce raw materials, we can develop a competitive edge.’
