QED Conference on Circular Economy

Mardi, 5 Avril 2016
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The Circular Economy Package launched by the Commission raises some questions. How to transform risks into growth potential and jobs creation in a circular economy? That issue will be discussed at the QED Conference on 5 April 2016 in Brussels.

The European Commission's ambition to launch a Circular Economy Package raises both hope and some concerns. In the current debate we could clearly identify competing interests. The ambition is to create a sustainable economy and increase growth through innovations and more resource-efficient use of material.

The way towards a circular economy, however, demands a shift and the industry would need to adapt to new demands and potentially binding indicators. The challenge will be to find a balance between increased burdens for the industry, which need to stay competitive on a global market, and a new way of thinking about production. New regulations, and the decided way forward, will most likely become a game changer for many sectors.

The overall goal for this event is to discuss what should be at the top of the agenda to make it possible to transform risks into growth potential in a circular economy.

 

Possible discussion points

  • How could circular economy complement the agenda for jobs and growth?
  • How should waste targets be formulated to become more country specific?
  • Which role should food waste play in the new strategy?
  • How could we turn waste into food?
  • Which role should the agricultural sector play in circular economy?
  • What is needed to increase secondary raw material in production?
  • How could innovation be stimulated within the circular economy strategy?
  • What is needed to ensure a shift in the design of business models from only selling to enable the industry to produce more durable products with longer life cycle, that are also fitted for reuse and refurbish?
  • How would binding lead indicators and sub-indicators measuring resource intensity affect economic growth in Europe?
  • How should indicators be defined?
  • What is needed to switch focus from recycling to reuse?
  • Is it possible to measure a products land, water, material use and carbon footprints and how would this affect growth and jobs in Europe?

 

Speakers line-up

  • Sirpa Pietikäinen, Member of the European Parliament
  • European Environmental Bureau - Name of the speaker TBC
  • Dr Constantin Ciupagea, Head of Unit H8 - Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Joint Research Centre, European Commission - TBC
  • Industry Representatives