The European Commission’s ambition to launch a Circular Economy Package raises both hope and some concerns. In the current debate we could clearly identify competing interests. The ambition is to create a sustainable economy and increase growth through innovations and more resource-efficient use of material. The way towards a circular economy, however, demands a shift and the industry would need to adapt to new demands and potentially binding indicators. The challenge will be to find a balance between increased burdens for the industry, which need to stay competitive on a global market, and a new way of thinking about production. New regulations, and the decided way forward, will most likely become a game changer for many sectors. The overall goal for this event is to discuss what should be at the top of the agenda to make it possible to transform risks into growth potential in a circular economy. 

Potential discussion points:

• How could circular economy complement the agenda for jobs and growth?
• How should waste targets be formulated to become more country specific?
• Which role should food waste play in the new strategy?
• What is needed to increase secondary raw material in production?
• How could innovation be stimulated within the circular economy strategy?
• What is needed to ensure a shift in the design of business models from only selling to enable the industry to produce more durable products with longer life cycle, that are also fitted for reuse and refurbish?
• What is needed to switch focus from recycling to reuse?
• Is it possible to measure a products land, water, material use and carbon footprints and how would this affect growth and jobs in Europe?

Speaker line-up

Dr Constantin Ciupagea Head of Unit H8 - Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Joint Research Centre, European Commission

Sirpa Pietikäinen Member of the European Parliament

Pierre Henry Policy Officer Unit A1 - Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy, DG ENV, European Commission

Juan José Freijo Global Head of Sustainability, Brambles

Beata Guzik Director EU Public Affairs, Pharumlegal

Stephane Arditi Products & Waste Policy Manager, EEB - European Environmental Bureau

Moderator: Dr Stephan Kampelmann Researcher, Institute for Landscape Design and Ecology, University of Stuttgart