In December last year, the EU Commission presented a new package of measures on the circular economy, which proposes among other new targets for recycling and depositing waste in all EU Member States. The objective is to close the loop in respect of all phases of life of a product. Last week, the proposal, including the action plan of the Commission, was discussed by the EU Council and on various events.

The AK had already reported on the new package on the circular economy in December of last year. The main point of the criticism is the too vague approach and the softening of already existing regulations.

EU Council welcomes the package

Last Friday, the Member States commented on the package in the Council. They welcomed the proposal of the Commission, in particular the Action Plan, and that it refers to all phases of life of a product; hence, a turning away from “end-of-pipe technology” towards a closed circle.

There is in general a great desire for a market for secondary raw materials and securing their quality. Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria, France and Germany emphasised an extension of the life span, for example based on the ability to repair and reuse of products. Lithuania even demanded a tightening of the Ecodesign Directive. However, consumption also featured beside production. In particular, with regard to food waste, a stop had to be put to the throw-away society. Furthermore, many participants pointed out that the issue should also be dealt with in other fields of policy, hence across the board.

Some Member States also referred to the cost, which some of the implementations would entail. They referred to support, which might be needed and/or an extension of time. In addition, one had to address the big differences between the Member States. That is why an exchange platform would be welcomed; however, no major additional costs should be incurred.

The representative of the Austrian Ministry emphasises that the first priority had to be the avoidance of waste. Binding requirements were demanded for recycling and depositing. In this case, Austria was critical of extending the deadline, because one had to act fast. Sharing experiences, in particular with regard to tax, would be useful. It was also pointed out that measures are of little use when they are not implemented.

Producer responsibility is important, but the focus is on final processing

Last week, the issue was also discussed on various events, among other on two of the Permanent Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in the EU. Advocacy groups, experts, Members of the EU Parliament and the Commission discussed the package in plenums.

All sides pointed out how important producer responsibility and looking at all phases of life a product would be; however, in the end the discussions always referred back to the end of the “pipe”, with regard to incineration and depositing.

Davor Škrlec (MEP, Greens) was the only one at a plenum discussion on Wednesday to refer to the social aspect of dealing with waste. According to the position of the AK, the social dialogue should get more room in the package of the Commission.

What the participants seemed to agree on is that above all clear definitions had to be established. In general, there are major differences between Member States in particular with regard to terms such as “pre-treated waste” and “waste” respectively.

Further information:

AK Position paper: Towards a Circular Economy

AK Position paper: Communication of the European Commission “Zero Waste Programme for Europe” and Proposal for a Directive

Council of the European Union: Documents on the Council Meeting on 4.3.2016

EU Commission Fact Sheet: Circular Economy Package: Questions & Answers

EU Commission Communication: Closing the loop - An EU action plan for the Circular Economy

Study Federal Environment Agency: The Climate Change Mitigation Potential of the Waste Sector