The European Environment Agency (EEA) has issued a call for Europe to take decisive action in transitioning its economy towards circularity. This approach involves reusing or repurposing materials to reduce waste, with the ultimate goal of meeting climate targets. The EEA emphasized the need for urgent measures to significantly reduce waste, prioritize resource reduction, improve recycling rates, and introduce products designed for circularity from the start.
The agency expressed concerns about the Union’s progress in doubling its circularity rate by 2030, indicating that achieving this goal is unlikely in the near future. The EEA pointed out that current business models often prioritize mass production of products with a short lifespan, leading to early breakdown or premature obsolescence. For instance, a recent study revealed that a significant amount of textiles introduced to the European market end up being destroyed without ever being used, resulting in high CO2 emissions from processing and destruction. Despite Europe leading globally in the use of recycled materials, the circularity rate remains low at 11.5% in 2022.
To accelerate progress towards a circular economy, the EEA highlighted several key measures that need to be taken. These include promoting higher-quality recycling to reduce imports and maximize product lifespan through reuse and repair. Additionally, reducing consumption through more sustainable choices is essential for Europe’s progress towards circularity. By implementing these measures effectively, Europe can make significant strides towards transforming its economy into one that operates on principles of sustainability and resource efficiency.
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