The Circular Economy: A Call to Action for Europe’s Future
May 3, 2025, 3:52 am
In the heart of Europe, a storm is brewing. The winds of change are calling for a revolution in how we think about resources. The European Commission's draft Clean Industrial State Aid Framework (CISAF) has sparked a coalition of stakeholders, led by TOMRA, to demand the inclusion of circularity provisions. This is not just a plea; it’s a necessity.
Circularity is the lifeblood of a sustainable future. It’s about keeping resources in play, reducing waste, and creating a resilient economy. Yet, in the current draft of CISAF, circularity is a ghost. It’s mentioned but not embraced. This oversight could undermine the ambitious goals of the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), which aims to position Europe as a leader in the circular economy by 2030.
The CID recognizes circularity as one of its four pillars. It’s a promise to maximize resources, reduce dependencies, and enhance resilience. However, without financial backing and policy support for circularity, this promise risks becoming an empty shell. The coalition, comprising key figures from the EU plastic recycling industry and beyond, is sounding the alarm. They argue that without explicit support for circularity projects, the EU’s vision for a sustainable industrial model will falter.
Imagine a world where materials are reused, remanufactured, and recycled. This is not just a dream; it’s a tangible goal. By embedding circularity into the decarbonization strategy, Europe can improve resource security and reduce cross-border trade dependencies. The coalition believes that enabling state aid for circularity projects is crucial. It’s about making industrial production sustainable and accelerating the journey toward decarbonization.
The stakes are high. The EU aims to increase material circularity by 24% by 2030. This is not just a number; it’s a lifeline. It ensures that resources remain in circulation for as long as possible. But achieving this goal requires a robust framework that supports circularity. The coalition insists that all pillars of the CID must receive equal attention and funding. This is not merely an environmental priority; it’s an economic and strategic necessity.
The implications of neglecting circularity are profound. Without it, Europe risks falling behind in the global race for sustainability. The current draft of CISAF lacks the provisions needed to support circularity. This gap could lead to missed opportunities for innovation and economic growth. The coalition’s message is clear: circularity must be at the forefront of Europe’s industrial strategy.
TOMRA, a leader in waste-sorting technology, is at the helm of this movement. With a mission to realize a world without waste, TOMRA develops systems that enable the circular economy. Their expertise in resource collection, recovery, and sorting is vital for transforming how we obtain and use resources. Founded in 1972, TOMRA has established a global presence, with over 113,700 installations in more than 100 markets. Their vision is not just about profit; it’s about creating a sustainable future.
As Europe grapples with resource constraints, the need for strategic autonomy becomes increasingly urgent. The coalition argues that circularity is not just an environmental issue; it’s a matter of economic security. By investing in circular infrastructure, Europe can reduce its reliance on external resources and enhance its resilience. This is a call to action for policymakers. The time to act is now.
The coalition’s concerns echo a broader sentiment within the EU. As the world shifts toward sustainability, Europe must lead by example. The Clean Industrial Deal is a bold step, but it must be accompanied by a framework that supports all its pillars. Circularity is not an afterthought; it’s a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
The coalition’s open letter to the European Commission is a rallying cry. It urges leaders to recognize the importance of circularity in the CISAF. This is not just about policy; it’s about the future of Europe. The decisions made today will shape the landscape of tomorrow.
In conclusion, the call for circularity in the EU’s Clean Industrial State Aid Framework is more than a request; it’s a necessity. The coalition led by TOMRA is paving the way for a sustainable future. By embedding circularity into the heart of Europe’s industrial strategy, we can create a resilient economy that benefits both the environment and society. The time for action is now. Let’s seize this opportunity to transform our approach to resources and build a world without waste. The future is circular, and it starts today.
Circularity is the lifeblood of a sustainable future. It’s about keeping resources in play, reducing waste, and creating a resilient economy. Yet, in the current draft of CISAF, circularity is a ghost. It’s mentioned but not embraced. This oversight could undermine the ambitious goals of the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), which aims to position Europe as a leader in the circular economy by 2030.
The CID recognizes circularity as one of its four pillars. It’s a promise to maximize resources, reduce dependencies, and enhance resilience. However, without financial backing and policy support for circularity, this promise risks becoming an empty shell. The coalition, comprising key figures from the EU plastic recycling industry and beyond, is sounding the alarm. They argue that without explicit support for circularity projects, the EU’s vision for a sustainable industrial model will falter.
Imagine a world where materials are reused, remanufactured, and recycled. This is not just a dream; it’s a tangible goal. By embedding circularity into the decarbonization strategy, Europe can improve resource security and reduce cross-border trade dependencies. The coalition believes that enabling state aid for circularity projects is crucial. It’s about making industrial production sustainable and accelerating the journey toward decarbonization.
The stakes are high. The EU aims to increase material circularity by 24% by 2030. This is not just a number; it’s a lifeline. It ensures that resources remain in circulation for as long as possible. But achieving this goal requires a robust framework that supports circularity. The coalition insists that all pillars of the CID must receive equal attention and funding. This is not merely an environmental priority; it’s an economic and strategic necessity.
The implications of neglecting circularity are profound. Without it, Europe risks falling behind in the global race for sustainability. The current draft of CISAF lacks the provisions needed to support circularity. This gap could lead to missed opportunities for innovation and economic growth. The coalition’s message is clear: circularity must be at the forefront of Europe’s industrial strategy.
TOMRA, a leader in waste-sorting technology, is at the helm of this movement. With a mission to realize a world without waste, TOMRA develops systems that enable the circular economy. Their expertise in resource collection, recovery, and sorting is vital for transforming how we obtain and use resources. Founded in 1972, TOMRA has established a global presence, with over 113,700 installations in more than 100 markets. Their vision is not just about profit; it’s about creating a sustainable future.
As Europe grapples with resource constraints, the need for strategic autonomy becomes increasingly urgent. The coalition argues that circularity is not just an environmental issue; it’s a matter of economic security. By investing in circular infrastructure, Europe can reduce its reliance on external resources and enhance its resilience. This is a call to action for policymakers. The time to act is now.
The coalition’s concerns echo a broader sentiment within the EU. As the world shifts toward sustainability, Europe must lead by example. The Clean Industrial Deal is a bold step, but it must be accompanied by a framework that supports all its pillars. Circularity is not an afterthought; it’s a cornerstone of a sustainable future.
The coalition’s open letter to the European Commission is a rallying cry. It urges leaders to recognize the importance of circularity in the CISAF. This is not just about policy; it’s about the future of Europe. The decisions made today will shape the landscape of tomorrow.
In conclusion, the call for circularity in the EU’s Clean Industrial State Aid Framework is more than a request; it’s a necessity. The coalition led by TOMRA is paving the way for a sustainable future. By embedding circularity into the heart of Europe’s industrial strategy, we can create a resilient economy that benefits both the environment and society. The time for action is now. Let’s seize this opportunity to transform our approach to resources and build a world without waste. The future is circular, and it starts today.