Circle Economy

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recently unveiled her political guidelines for the 2024-2029 term. Did the circular economy make its way into this long-term agenda? We are pleased to say: yes! The document promises a new Circular Economy Act to boost resilience and decarbonise the EU economy. While the specifics of this proposal are yet to be revealed, here is how the European Commission’s political guidelines highlight the importance of the circular economy. 👇👇👇 What are your thoughts on the new political agenda of the European Commission? Let us know in the comments! #circulareconomy #EUpolicy

🤔How do we measure circularity? While there are many facets to the circular economy, we at Circle Economy measure the ‘circularity’ of a city, country, region or the globe by looking at the proportion of secondary materials used by their economies. Our signature Circularity Metric equals secondary material use divided by total material use (virgin + secondary). Both components are essential: we can boost circularity by increasing secondary material use (using again) and by decreasing total material use (using less). Our Circularity Metric considers ‘secondary materials’ to be those that were formerly waste, but are now being used again. This includes a whole range of materials, like recycled concrete, metals, paper and processed wood, to name a few. According to this methodology, the global economy today is 7.2% circular. Learn more in the Circularity Gap Report 2024: https://lnkd.in/ebsYzjAX #circulareconomy #measuring #metrics #circularitygap

👷♂️📊What indicators are relevant to understanding employment in the circular economy? The Circular Economy Indicators Coalition (CEIC) looked into this complex question! Currently, employment-related indicators and models are not aligned, leading to varying estimations of job gains and losses from the circular transition. As a first step to address this issue, we reviewed and consolidated existing employment-related indicators for the circular economy and gathered stakeholders to discuss knowledge gaps, in collaboration with Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE) and Goldschmeding Foundation. We’re excited to share our findings, which include approaches to measure the quantity, quality, and inclusion of circular jobs, as well as the necessary circular skills. Taking things one step further, we will be launching a review of all definitions, databases, methods, and models for understanding employment in the circular economy later this summer together with the partners of our Jobs in the Circular Economy Initiative International Labour Organization and Solutions for Youth Employment (S4YE). Dive into the report: https://lnkd.in/eQWBSCDd

🌐🇺🇸Positive news coming from the United States! The White House announced that single-use plastics will be phased out from all federal operations by 2035 as part of a broader strategy to combat plastic pollution. Well done! As a first step, single-use plastics like cups and straws will no longer be purchased for catering, events and packaging managed by the federal government by 2027. Public procurement is a powerful tool to spur the circular economy transition. For example, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) recently adopted in the EU introduced mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria for EU public institutions. And for good reason: public authorities in the EU spend around €1.8 trillion on purchasing works, goods and services! Imagine this amount of money going into circular, not linear, products and services. This could massively improve demand for circular products, support innovative start-ups, and streamline investment into the circular economy. Green public procurement can also be employed by local authorities. Find out how cities can support circular innovations in our recent blog post (link in comment👇).

🌐 The ‘Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation’ (ESPR) has officially entered into force in the EU🎉 ➡️ The regulation allows for the setting of performance and information requirements, such as repairability and durability, for almost all categories of physical goods. Concrete product rules will be decided over time on a product-by-product basis. 📝 It also introduces digital 'product passports' containing performance, traceability, and compliance information. Consumers can access this data via a public web portal. ⛔️ The regulation prohibits the destruction of unsold clothing, accessories, and footwear, with the potential to extend to other product categories in the future. Producers and sellers will be required to disclose the quantity and reasons for product discards. 🌱 EU public institutions will have to follow mandatory Green Public Procurement criteria when purchasing products. This is a major milestone for the circular economy in Europe and serves as an example for other regions to follow. Discover the full overview of policies enabling the circular transition in our policy briefs: https://lnkd.in/ezW3-YJJ Source: European Commission

The CircularInvest InfoDAY is less than a week away! Have you already registered? During a one-hour session, #CircularInvest representatives will provide valuable insights into the project, share useful tips on how to apply and address any questions you may have. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how CircularInvest can support your circular economy project. Why attend? ✅ Project development assistance: Discover free, tailored CircularInvest support designed to help cities and regions achieve circularity and bring circular projects to life. 💡 Insights and tips: Get practical advice on applying for the CircularInvest programme and making the most of our services. ❓ Q&A Session: Submit your questions in advance via the registration form, and we'll address them during the event. 📅 The event will be held on July 23rd, 2024, at 11 CET. Join us by registering here: https://lnkd.in/dPwvpbKe Seize the opportunity to learn more about how CircularInvest can support and boost your circular economy project!

A circular economy strategy can help your city achieve multiple environmental goals—from slashing emissions to preserving biodiversity. To start developing such a strategy, check this step-by-step guide delivered by The Circular City Centre – C3 👇

♻ Are you developing a #circulareconomy project? Increase your chances of finding #investors: sign up for free services with #CircularInvest now! CircularInvest empowers project promoters, helping them to secure the necessary financial resources to implement their ideas. The initiative offers a wide range of personalized services, including: 👉 Circularity assessment 👉 Business Plans 👉 Fundraising 👉 Legal and Regulatory Support CircularInvest is part of the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). All services are free and provided by experts. Check out this link for more information 👇 https://lnkd.in/e2P45qda Do you have questions? Sign up for the upcoming InfoDAY here: https://lnkd.in/dPwvpbKe

Apply to take part in a Circular City Advisory programme by The Circular City Centre – C3! This free training will help you develop your city's circular economy strategy and equip you with the skills to act upon it. Find out more below 👇 

CircularInvest is pleased to announce an upcoming InfoDAY to answer all your questions about its 3rd open call! During a one-hour session, CircularInvest representatives will provide valuable insights into the project, share useful tips on how to apply and address any questions you may have. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how CircularInvest can support your circular economy project. Why attend? ✅ Project development assistance: Discover free, tailored CircularInvest support designed to help cities and regions achieve circularity and bring circular projects to life. 💡 Insights and tips: Get practical advice on applying for the CircularInvest programme and making the most of our services. ❓ Q&A Session: Submit your questions in advance via the registration form, and we'll address them during the event.   📅 The event will be held on July 23rd, 2024, at 11 CET. Join us by registering here: https://lnkd.in/dPwvpbKe Seize the opportunity to learn more about how CircularInvest can support and boost your circular economy project!