Waste – Is Europe ready for a circular economy?

By juillet 16, 2014FR

Thilo Werle, Senior Consultant, Brussels

On 2 July 2014, the European Commission presented its new Waste package.  Amongst the ambitious targets of the proposed directive, zero landfill by 2025 and 60% recycling of plastic packaging waste by 2030.

The European Commission is convinced that waste prevention, eco-design and reuse will bring enormous savings and increased turnover for European companies, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In a context where certain Member states are however nowhere near the proposed targets, this file promises to be very controversial. Tedious negotiations over years to come will tell whether Europe is ready to enter a circular economy!