Stefan Buch
The much anticipated EU Circular economy strategy was expected to be published by the Commission
at end of 2015. Its goal is to create new jobs and growth opportunities by developing policy
that stimulates and encourages re-using, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and
products.
The strategy of circular Economy is to improve the efficiency of ECO management and EMAS and
environmental verification system. It will support reparability, durability and recyclability of products
by developing product requirements relevant to the circular economy – Eco-design work plan
2015 – 2017 and is also adopting a proposal for different fee paid by producers in Extended Producer
Responsibilities schemes according to real end of life costs and recyclability. As part of the
regular reviews of BREF, the Commission will include guidance on best management and resource
efficiency practices for production processes.
It will also clarify the definition of by-products proposed in the waste proposal to facilitate industrial
symbiosis practices. Furthermore, an improved cooperation with Member States might lead to a
better implementation of EU waste legislation a combat illegal shipment of end of life vehicles,
revise the Waste shipment regulation. Promotion of industry-voluntary certification of treatment
facilities for key waste streams/recycle streams. Regarding waste to Resource Circular Economy
will boost the market for secondary raw materials develop quality standards for secondary raw materials
where they are needed (in particular for plastics).
The primary raw material will continue to play a role for production even in circular economy, but
these materials can have detrimental environmental impact both in EU and in third countries. Unless
to say from industry side, that in an economical growing “EU” world the primary production
plays an – if not the most – important role in addition to the increase of recycling to stabilize the
industrial need for raw material even if is primary or secondary to safeguarding jobs and competitiveness
at present and in the future.