Circular Economy consultation falls short of expectations, says CIWM

CIWM has welcomed the Circular Economy public consultation launched yesterday by the European Commission but feels that it falls short of the progress that was hoped for on this important agenda.

"CIWM welcomes the ambition to promote the transition to the circular economy through a comprehensive approach that rightly goes beyond waste and includes design, production and consumption, the development of stronger materials markets, and job creation and growth. However, this intent was expressed in the original CE package, and it is difficult to see how a very broad brush survey will add anything other than a lot of issues being identified as very important by a lot of respondents.

"Our concern is that it is difficult to see how the Commission intends to move from this public consultation exercise to a detailed package that includes meaningful legislation, targets, and other interventions within the proposed timetable. We must hope that in parallel with this consultation, there is more focused work going on, both on the next steps for waste and resource management policy and on the range of 'pull' mechanisms that will be essential to embed circular economy principles at every point in the supply chain.

"The Commission has set itself a challenge by withdrawing the original Circular Economy package because it was not ambitious enough and was focused too narrowly on waste. It is not clear at this stage whether it is going to meet the expectations of a wide range of stakeholders who are now waiting for it to deliver something better."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found a www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
Head of Policy & Communications
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk