{"id":463714,"date":"2025-09-30T18:21:46","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T18:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/463714\/"},"modified":"2025-09-30T18:21:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-30T18:21:46","slug":"europe-accelerates-shift-to-circular-economy-with-new-legislation-and-ambitious-targets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/463714\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe accelerates shift to circular economy with new legislation and ambitious targets"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CSR<\/a>image: \u00a9bgton | iStock
\n As pressures continue to mount on the planet\u2019s ecosystem, the European Union is moving away from the traditional \u201ctake, make, dispose\u201d model<\/p>\n

The EU is advancing toward a\u00a0circular economy, where products and materials are reused, recycled, and kept in circulation for as long as possible. <\/p>\n

This transition is a significant part of Europe\u2019s environmental strategy, and it is viewed as essential for achieving climate neutrality, improving resource efficiency, and creating long-term competitiveness.<\/a><\/p>\n

By 2050, global consumption levels are expected to exceed the planet\u2019s sustainable limits, effectively requiring the resources of three Earths. The circular economy approach aims to reverse this trend by significantly reducing waste, pollution, and resource extraction.<\/p>\n

Circular Economy Act <\/p>\n

One of the EU\u2019s most significant upcoming initiatives is the\u00a0Circular Economy Act,<\/a> expected to be adopted in 2026. This Act will build on the second Circular Economy Action Plan, which was adopted in March 2020 as a core component of the European Green Deal.<\/p>\n

The Circular Economy Act aims to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials, and stimulate demand for these materials across EU industries. These changes are designed to strengthen Europe\u2019s leadership in sustainable innovation and resource efficiency.<\/p>\n

In\u00a0August 2025, the European Commission launched a\u00a0public consultation on the Act, inviting feedback from citizens, businesses, and stakeholders. The Act is a cornerstone of the EU\u2019s goal to double its\u00a0circularity rate, the proportion of materials reused or recycled, from 12% to\u00a024% by 2030, as part of the\u00a0Clean Industrial Deal.<\/p>\n

Policy frameworks and new laws <\/p>\n

Recent years have seen a series of legislative actions aimed at making products more sustainable. The\u00a0Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into force in July 2024, sets standards for product durability, reparability, and energy efficiency. It is complemented by a\u00a0Right to Repair directive and new rules empowering consumers to make greener choices.<\/p>\n

Other key regulations include:<\/p>\n