Towards a competitive circular economy: EuRIC’s proposals for the new European law.

The circular economy has moved from being an environmental aspiration to becoming a strategic pillar of European industry. In this context, the European Confederation of Recycling Industries (EuRIC) has put forward a number of key proposals for the upcoming Circular Economy Act, scheduled for 2026. This legal framework will be crucial to boost recycling as an economic engine within a more sustainable, resilient and competitive Europe.

Recycling as an engine of economic resilience

Since EuRIC, it is stressed that recycling plays a vital role beyond simple waste management: it allows valuable raw materials to be recovered from existing materials, thus reducing Europe’s dependence on virgin resources and, In turn, it reduces the carbon footprint of supply chains.

In addition, in a context of increasing geopolitical and commercial instability, recycling is presented as a strategic alternative that promotes the autonomy of European industry and strengthens its capacity to respond to external disruptions.

♻️Key EuRIC proposals

• Coherent Policy Framework: Establish harmonized community strategies for exports, imports and domestic demand of recycled materials. This involves aligning export, import and waste management policies to remove the barriers that currently fragment the internal market.
• Promotion of the Demand for Recycled Materials: Implement economic incentives and green public procurement that encourage the use of recycled materials in production.
• Single Market for Waste and Recycled Materials: Remove legal barriers and create a competitive market that facilitates the free movement of recycled materials in the EU.
• Accelerating the transition to a circular economy: Promoting investments in clean technologies and circular processes that reduce dependence on virgin raw materials and lower carbon emissions.

These proposals come at a time when the circular economy is positioned as an essential pillar in the European industrial strategy. The need to reduce dependence on external resources and mitigate environmental impacts has led the EU to consider significant reforms in its waste and recycling legislation.

🗣️A call to action

The upcoming Circular Economy Law represents a crucial opportunity to translate Europe’s ambitions into operational realities. Adopting the EuRIC recommendations could unlock demand, establish a level playing field for recycled materials and support the development of a competitive recycling industry.

The implementation of these recommendations could facilitate the creation of a more competitive and sustainable market for recycled materials, thus contributing to the EU’s climate and economic objectives.

Do you have doubts? We are here to help

Are you ready to be part of the global recycling growth?

👉 Contact us and find out how digitization can help you take advantage of these opportunities.

Buy and sell metal waste on ScrapAd

If you are a waste broker and dealer, register for free on ScrapAd. We simplify the buying and selling of scrap, multiplying your profits.