Towards a better monitoring and valorising of waste streams in Europe

At the core of the circular economy lies the life cycle of products. Ideally, this cycle should be a closed loop with little to no negative environmental impact, or waste. The EU has ambitious targets regarding circular economy and there is a need to better monitor the waste created in order to valorise materials along the entire circular ladder.

The recently adopted Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) recognises the need to improve monitoring of progress in the uptake of the CEAP objectives. Such efforts are not only relevant on the European level, but also at national, regional, municipal and even company level.

Together with Öko-Institut, Planmiljö and the Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP), IDEA Consult supports the European Environment Agency (EEA) in identifying, analysing and monitoring of circular practices.
By identifying emerging waste streams generated by technologies and infrastructure related to the energy transition in Europe and pointing out challenges and opportunities, we compile suggestions for circular business models in various sectors.
In order to assess the circular economy more accurately we also compile indicators that describe all steps of the circular ladder, demonstrating the width of the circular principles with the ‘Ten Rs’ of sustainability. This way we define innovative metrics and data sources to ultimately quantify the circular economy.

If you would like to find out more on the subject you may consult the EEA’s report ‘Resource efficiency and the circular economy in Europe 2019 – even more from less’ or consult our website on our expertise on circular economy and contact us directly to support you in your waste management challenges.