Join us for a discussion on the future of EU’s transition to a circular economy!
On 12 September 2024, CLG Europe’s Materials and Products Taskforce will organise a hybrid event at the European Parliament, hosted by the MEP Sara Matthieu, to launch the new report from the Materials & Products Taskforce, “No Time to Waste: Driving the EU’s resilience and competitiveness through a circular economy,” authored in association with the Wuppertal Institute.
The report presents a comprehensive business perspective and actionable recommendations for accelerating the EU’s transition to a circular economy between 2024-2029. By examining four key systems—policy and governance, market demand, capital allocation, and societal engagement—the report identifies the conditions necessary for a circular economy and highlights both the remaining barriers and opportunities that lie ahead. It outlines specific policy actions for the future Circular Economy Act and showcases real-world case studies from businesses leading the way in this transition.
Why now?
There is a growing political momentum for adopting a circular economy in the EU. Featured in the EU Strategic Agenda 2024-2029 and emphasized in the Letta Report on the future of the Single Market, the circular economy is now a top priority. With Ursula von der Leyen’s reappointment as President of the European Commission and her commitment to a new Circular Economy Act, the EU aims to boost market demand for secondary materials and establish a single market for waste, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Transition to a circular economy is a key solution for achieving many of the EU’s strategic priorities. It can help the EU maintain its competitiveness, enhance strategic autonomy by decreasing reliance on imports, achieve climate neutrality by 2050, help conserve nature, offer savings and new business opportunities for companies; and generate employment gains, among other things.
Despite progress in recent years, the EU’s economy remains predominantly linear, and the transition to a circular economy faces significant challenges. Now, more than ever, is the time to push forward with decisive actions and innovative solutions to drive the EU’s resilience and competitiveness through a circular economy.
Speakers include:
- Sara Matthieu, MEP, Rapporteur for the European Parliament
- William Neale, Adviser on Circular Economy and Green Growth for the European Commission (DG Environment)
- Emma Watkins, Senior Policy Analyst, Climate and Circular Economy, Institute for European Environmental Policy
- Claudia Bierth, European Sustainability & Public Affairs Manager, Ball Corporation
- Joan Marc Simon, Director Founder, Zero Waste Europe
- Sanna Markkanen, Head of Policy Analysis, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
- Moderated by Martin Porter, Executive Chair, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
If you have any questions about this event, please contact bianca.drotleff@cisl.cam.ac.uk or martina.mazzini@cisl.cam.ac.uk.
Learn more about the Materials and Products Taskforce here.
