Waste prevention should always be our priority. However, even in the transition to a circular economy, residual streams from production and consumption processes will remain. It is important to ensure appropriate waste management and prevent landfilling or incineration of valuable resources. Our goal is to ensure that reliable, harmonised standards promote preparation for reuse and material-efficient recycling. This way we can turn waste into a resource and close the loop in a sustainable way by, for example, using organic waste as fertiliser, sustainable treatment of WEEE and batteries, and recovery of critical raw materials.
ECOS, an environmental NGO with expertise in ecodesign and standardisation, is pleased to see the European Commission’s commitment to placing ecodesign principles at the heart of the EU’s sustainable product policy. The list of Key Product Value Chains, outlined in the Circular Economy Action Plan released today, correctly prioritises the high environmental impact sectors where specific actions are needed. Only with ambitious laws and targets, however, can these sectors truly become more circular.
If Europe is serious about becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050, circular economy needs to be at the forefront of the European Green Deal. For this, Europe must implement an ecodesign approach for sectors with the highest environmental impact, stressed ECOS, the environmental NGO expert in ecodesign and product policy.
On 11 December, the European Commission will release its Green Deal, and according to high level officials, circular economy is set to be the number one priority for Europe. This is a move ECOS fully supports, as detailed in our priority checklist published today.
