What Circular Economy means and the reasons why it is important

The European scene

Europe is clearly moving towards an economy that is respectful of the environment. It is simplistic to describe the dynamics that are taking place to make this transition as above, in fact the so-called Green Deal is a very precise plan that aim to reverse the march of production and consumption.

In this way, it is expected that in 2050:
1) no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050;
2) economic growth decoupled from resource use;
3) no person and no place left behind.

This is the declaration of intent summarized on the official website of the European Union. Being aware of this direction may seem obvious to some, to others simply useless. However, it is better to be aware of where Europe is going since this organization condition our lives.

The Copernican revolution

A circular model replaces a type of production that continually creates new needs to trigger the search for new products. This new economic paradigm aims to respond to the climatic needs that are the new focal point of the Union.

In short, the economy would go from promoting waste to promoting recycling. The ways in which the European Union affects behavior are primarily economic, in fact production methods that are not in alignment with this new pattern will be discouraged.

Circle closing?

The circular economy is a production model focused on promoting sustainability, where production is aimed to recycle all the materials used. The products themselves are designed to be durable, so they can be recycled and repaired. The European Union wants to influence all the economic actors to promote a legislative system that not only allows but encourages this model.

Production

The will of Europe to reform the production of goods starts with production. Already in the design phase, products whose disassembly and consequently recycling is easier will be economically and legally incentivized.

The document drawn up on the subject explains how this turnaround is particularly important for electrical and electronic products. In this regard, the European Union has hypothesized a series of regulations on the design of electronic devices, which will allow easier reuse. Furthermore, European Union pictures differentiated contributions based on the end-of-life costs of the various products.

Industry

To promote an economy where nothing or nobody is left behind, the European Union wants to promote a the dialogue between industries, so that they are able to use and optimize each other’s waste products. In the relevant document, this modality is called ‘industrial symbiosis’.

Economic actors on the scene of a Green-Europe

One of the most interesting part of the declaration of intents is the consumer behavior. First, it is necessary that the most fragmented economic actor, the consumer, moves on the market with strong European values of sustainability and inclusion.

In addition, Europe will undertake to make known the impact of the various products on the environment as loyally as possible. In this circle, which starts from raw materials and arrives to our laptop, we realize that we are key players in promoting this new economic model. It is good to be aware of the new European script in economic matters and beyond. This is because none of the economic actors want to stay behind the scenes.

Where is Europe going? Or rather, where is Europe taking us?