The “New proposals to make sustainable products the norm and boost Europe’s resource independence”, stemming from the European Green Deal and presented by the European Commission today, contain a set of promising initiatives to save resources, advance the implementation of the waste hierarchy whilst taking into account social impacts.
Re-use and preparation for re-use targets are essential to implement the principles of the waste hierarchy and promote job creation. The current practice of combining preparing for re-use and recycling targets undermines the waste hierarchy, as countries without separate re-use or preparing for re-use objectives usually favour recycling.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most social enterprises active in the circular economy faced significant challenges. However, RREUSE members stayed proactive in contributing to a fair and green recovery where possible, and offered all kinds of social and environmental services to help those most in need, with a strong focus on re-use, repair and recycling.
4 NGOs and representatives of waste treatment operators call on the European Commission for a fast and fundamental revision of rules on electronic waste (WEEE Directive).
Ensuring a green transition towards a sustainable industrial ecosystem doesn’t come without challenges. Social enterprises that are active in the circular economy are directly contributing to this purpose and are attempting to overcome barriers that are still in place.