Implementation of the Circular Economy in Europe: Status Quo and Starting Points

Europe is currently facing major challenges of many kinds that need to be addressed at the same time: the switch to a climate neutral production in order to limit the temperature increase and the threats to biodiversity; the menaces to its own competitiveness posed by the disruption of global supply chains; and the necessary supplier diversification in key raw materials in order to increase its sovereignty and limit the dependence on authoritarian regimes. To meet these challenges, circular economy is seen as the silver bullet. It is one of the most important pillars of the European Green Deal. However, Europe's circular economy is still in its infancy, as the concept is not yet broadly established. This must change as quickly as possible.

So, what are the cornerstones of the circular economy in Europe and which gaps currently remain? Who are the front runners, and from which best practices can we gain inspiration? This study written by Dr. Henning Wilts and Andre Bröcker from the Wuppertal Institute provides important insights and recommendations on the matter.