The European Commission’s circular economy package can be a landmark in creating a more resource-efficient and competitive economy. It paves the way for stronger EU engagement to enhance and achieve sustainable development goals. Not only is it a unique opportunity to increase resource efficiency gains, it also opens the door to innovation.

Today, discussions are often focused on the end-of- life of products. Yet the concept of resource efficiency includes everything from raw materials sourcing to end-of- life management. Discussions need to go beyond new recycling targets, a landfill ban on recoverable and recyclable waste, and the lack of proper waste management infrastructures in member states, to address the entire product life-cycle.

The big question is what the new package will deliver. How can Europe benefit from the circular economy? What impact will it have on the single market? Can we reconcile both industrial and environmental policy agendas? Are all stakeholders truly convinced of the benefits of resource efficiency? If so, is this the chance for Europe to become truly sustainable? How? Can all stakeholders work together to close the loop?

You can find the complete debate video here