Last week, the Circular Economy Package was once again debated by the European Parliament. Several rapporteurs in two committees agreed: the proposals of the Commission form a good foundation; however, they do not go far enough. Therefore, more ambition was demanded with regard to the areas of Prevention and Depositing as well as Definition and Harmonisation.

Last week, two committees put the Circular Economy Package, which had been adopted by the Commission in December 2015, on their agenda. Four legislative acts and four dossiers accordingly were discussed in the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) and in the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI).

Shortcomings concerning the avoidance of waste

Regarding some points, the rapporteurs wanted to go further than the Commission. Simona Bonafé (S&D, ENVI) pointed out two significant shortcomings: not enough emphasis had been put on the avoidance of waste, and the development in the primary and secondary raw materials sector was not getting enough support. She demanded minimum prevention targets for the Member States, which should be presented by the Commission by 2018.

Approach to reduce depositing not ambitious enough

Apart from that, Bonafé criticised the target of the Commission to reduce the depositing of municipal waste to a maximum level of 10 % by 2030 as not ambitious enough and demanded a reduction to a maximum level of 5 %. Further demands (also of the other rapporteurs) go towards offering incentives for the industry, setting standards in general, in particular in respect of waste treatment, harmonisation, such as regarding the calculation of municipal waste and the definition of “treated waste”.

Furthermore, S&D and the Economic and Social Committee emphasised in the ENVI the importance of the package for the labour market. Gilles Pargneaux (S&D) pointed out the possible creation of 100,000 new jobs by 2020 and huge savings for the industry.

Just taking percentages is not enough; a better integration of consumer organisations is also required

The AK still welcomes the commitment of Commission and Parliament to develop a path towards a circular economy. To ensure that manufacturers acknowledge their responsibility is a positive preventive approach. However, it is important not to ignore the consumer with regard to waste disposal. Due to the fact that disposal contractors assume the role of agent it is even more important that representatives of the consumer, such as the AK, are more involved in the exchange.

The AK also welcomes an ambitious approach against the depositing of untreated waste; however, it does not help just to reduce percentages. Many more instruments, such as national deposition charges, are needed. The demand of some Parliamentarians that the industry had to take action will fizzle out if it is not ensured that corresponding obligations, whose failure to comply with is associated with costs, are in place.

The AK made comments to this effect in the European Parliament.

Further information

AK EUROPA: Circular economy: Closing the loop – but how?

AK EUROPA Position Paper: Towards a Circular Economy