Circular Economy Act

The upcoming Circular Economy Act aims to accelerate the transition to a more circular economy, increasing the EU’s economic security, resilience, competitiveness and decarbonisation.

Due for adoption in 2026, it aims to establish a Single Market for secondary raw materials, increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate demand for these materials in the EU.

Why it’s important

Non-ferrous metals can be recycled indefinitely and are exceptional at retaining their valuable properties. European Metals champions a truly circular economy for metals – one where these permanent materials are reused again and again.

By maximising recycling and resource efficiency, we strengthen Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy while also reducing Europe’s reliance on imported raw materials.

 

Our messages

To succeed in the EU Circular Economy, we must excel across the entire value chain, from securing access to secondary raw materials, through circular and sustainable product design, to creating a well-functioning EU single market for waste:

  • Acknowledge that successful EU green and digital transitions depend on a reliable supply of raw materials from both primary and secondary sources
  • Reflect full life cycle thinking and integrate recyclability and sustainability considerations from the design phase of products.
  • Streamline procedures for intra-EU waste shipments and facilitate import of waste to the EU;
  • Support investments in high-quality recycling capacity for emerging waste streams from green technologies.
  • Streamline requirements across raw materials, chemicals, products and waste legislation.

 

For additional information on this subject contact:

fazio@european-metals.eu or  macciotta@european-metals.eu