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class="ecl-breadcrumb__container"><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Home</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/topics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Topics</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__current-page" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static" aria-current="page">Circular economy</li></ol></nav><div class="ecl-page-header__info"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title"><span>Circular economy</span></h1></div><div class="ecl-page-header__description-container"><p class="ecl-page-header__description">The EU aims to transition to a circular economy to make Europe cleaner and more competitive. </p></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_1418"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Overview</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>There is only one planet Earth, yet by 2050, the world will be consuming as if there were three. The EU’s transition to a circular economy will reduce pressure on natural resources, create sustainable growth and jobs, and is necessary to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality target and to halt biodiversity loss.</p> <p>Moving away from the linear “take-make-use-dispose” model and transitioning to a regenerative growth model is essential to keep resource consumption within planetary boundaries. In a circular economy, the value of products, materials and resources is maintained in the economy for as long as possible, and the generation of waste is minimized.</p> <p>The current linear economy continually increases its demands of scarce natural resources. By using and consuming in a more circular way, we can substantially reduce the impacts of human economic activities on the environment, including on biodiversity.</p> <p>To accelerate the EU’s transition to a circular economy, the European Commission adopted the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en">new circular economy action plan</a> in March 2020.</p></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_1422"></a> <div class="ecl-fact-figures ecl-fact-figures--col-3" ><div class="ecl-fact-figures__items"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">90%</div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of biodiversity loss is caused by resource extraction and processing</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">Up to 80%</div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of products’ environmental impacts are determined at the design phase</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">11.8%</div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">the current circular material use rate in the EU</div></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_1423"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Objectives</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>The circular economy will help us decouple economic growth from resource use, protecting Europe’s natural resources while boosting <a href="https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/550056cc-1e4e-11eb-b57e-01aa75ed71a1">sustainable growth.</a> It will help the European Union to strive to reduce its consumption footprint and double its circular material use rate in the coming decade.</p> <p>The circular economy will</p> <ul> <li>enable an healthier planet and reduce pollution</li> <li>reduce pressure on natural resources such as water and land use</li> <li>reduce emissions to help the EU become the first climate-neutral continent</li> <li>create new business opportunities and local quality jobs</li> <li>enable more resilient value chains</li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_4815"></a> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Specific policies</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/plastics_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Plastics</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU action on plastic production and pollution to contribute to a circular economy.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/waste-and-recycling_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Waste and recycling</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU action on waste management, treatment and recycling.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/green-claims_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Green claims</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>New criteria to stop companies from making misleading environmental claims.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/consumer-protection-law/consumer-contract-law/rules-promoting-repair-goods_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Repair of goods</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Consumer rights for easy and attractive repairs of goods</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/strategy/textiles-strategy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Textiles</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU action to address the production and consumption of textiles.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/international-cooperation/circular-economy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Circular economy at the global level</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU is leading the way to a circular economy at the global level.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/specific-interest/critical_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Critical raw materials</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU’s action plan on critical raw materials, and list of these materials.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/industrial-emissions-and-accidents_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Industrial emissions</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU action to reduce industrial emissions.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/sustainable-products_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Sustainable products</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>EU measures to make sustainable products the norm in the EU.</p></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_4826"></a> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Tools and instruments</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/circular-economy/eu-ecolabel_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU Ecolabel</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU’s label of environmental excellence, helping consumers make greener choices.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Bringing together stakeholders active in the broad field of the circular economy in Europe.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/topics/circular-economy/levels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Sustainable buildings – Level(s)</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>A common European approach to assess and report on the sustainability of buildings.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoap/etv_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU Environmental Technology Verification</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Promoting the uptake of green technologies through a verification process.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/emas/index_en.htm" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Eco-management and audit scheme</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU’s management instrument for companies to improve their environmental performance.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/gpp/index_en.htm" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Green public procurement</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>A voluntary instrument to green public purchasing.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/policy-strategy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Raw materials initiative</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>The EU’s strategy for tackling the issue of access to raw materials in the EU.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/ecoap/index_en.htm_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Eco-innovation action plan</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Eco-innovation and green technologies are key to the circular economy.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/circular-economy/monitoring-framework" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Circular economy monitoring framework</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Monitor the progress of EU countries towards a circular economy.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/raw-materials/eip_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >European Innovation Partnership on Raw Materials</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Bringing together stakeholders on innovative approaches to the challenges related to raw materials.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://green-business.ec.europa.eu/environmental-footprint-methods_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Environmental Footprint methods</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><div class="ecl"><p>Measuring environmental performance through Product and Organisation Environmental Footprint methods.</p></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_2722"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Related Links</h2> <div class="ecl"><p><strong>Main laws: </strong><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32008L0098">Waste Framework Directive</a> <u>and </u><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/waste-and-recycling/waste-law_en">other EU waste laws</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52020PC0798">Proposal for a Regulation on Batteries,</a> <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/904/oj">Directive on single-use plastics</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/energy/sites/ener/files/documents/com_2016_773.en_.pdf">Ecodesign working plan 2016-2019</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32019R1009">new Fertilising Products regulation</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32020R0741">Water reuse regulation</a></p> <p><strong>Connected topics: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/chemicals_en">Chemicals</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/industrial-emissions_en">Industrial emissions, </a><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/plastics_en">Plastics</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/green-growth/raw-materials/index_en.htm">Secondary raw materials</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/sustainable-development_en">Sustainable development</a> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/energy-climate-change-environment/standards-tools-and-labels/products-labelling-rules-and-requirements/sustainable-products_en" class="ecl-link">Sustainable products</a></p> <p><strong>Connected strategies:  </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm">New circular economy action plan</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/circular-economy/first-circular-economy-action-plan_en">First circular economy action plan (2015 – 2019)</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/chemicals-strategy_en">Chemicals strategy for sustainability</a> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/zero-pollution-action-plan_en">Zero pollution action plan</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en">Biodiversity strategy for 2030</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/plastics-strategy_en">Plastics strategy</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0474">Action plan on critical raw materials</a>, <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0350">New industrial strategy</a>  <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/strategy/textiles-strategy_en" class="ecl-link">EU strategy for sustainable and circular textiles</a></p> <p><strong>Connected Commission priorities: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en">European Green Deal</a></p></div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2"> <div id="block-circulareconomycustomblocknews"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_7745"></a> <div id="block-relatedstories" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Related Stories</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div 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src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2022-05/homepage-IMG-consumer.jpg?itok=w0zGnErd" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-10-10T12:00:00Z">10 October 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/eu-ecolabel-grows-nearly-100000-products-certified-2024-10-10_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU Ecolabel certifications increase with almost 100,000 products recognised</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" 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