Circular Economy Act: what should the priorities be?
by Steve Claus, Secretary General of Steel for Packaging Europe
Since the adoption of the new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the EU has intensified its focus on industry competitiveness, highlighting the critical need to align growth with sustainability and innovation.
The forthcoming EU Circular Economy Act is expected to unify various circular economy policies while prioritizing sustainable access to critical raw materials. In this context, Steel for Packaging Europe recently hosted a high-level discussion at the European Parliament on the priorities for the Circular Economy Act. The event, hosted by MEP Dimitrios Tsiodras and organized by The Parliament Magazine, gathered key policymakers and industry stakeholders to share perspectives on building a more robust circular economy framework.
MEP Tsiodras: advocating for a more circular economy in waste management
In his opening remarks, MEP Tsiodras referenced the PPWR, emphasizing the EU's responsibility to foster a true circular economy in waste management. He highlighted the strategic role that steel can play in achieving this objective. " We need to leverage and enforce this legislation practically” he stated, underscoring steel's potential to drive circularity in packaging. Tsiodras concluded by assuring his commitment to making this vision a reality.
Industry Insight: steel’s role in circularity and decarbonisation
Luc Brantjes, President of Steel for Packaging Europe, acknowledged steel's intrinsic benefits in circularity, while also recognizing the challenges of achieving 100% recycling and the significant undertaking of decarbonizing the steel industry. Steel’s permanent material properties make it a valuable asset for recycling efforts, as it can be recycled over and over again, contributing to a sustainable supply of critical raw materials within the EU.
Strategic opportunities and risks for European circularity
Mathias Kirkegaard, the environment attaché from the Danish Permanent Representative to the EU, pointed out that the circular economy is shifting from a "nice to have" to a "need to have," cautioning against over-reliance on external parties for raw materials. He urged that circular economy initiatives should unlock strategic growth for European companies and enhance resource security.
Representing the European Environment Bureau, Marco Russo advocated for stronger EU actions and improved implementation of packaging legislation to balance material usage with planetary boundaries. He supported a shift from a waste-focused framework to one centred on resources, aiming to make sustainable choices more accessible and affordable for consumers.
Belgium’s model for recycling success
Belgium was highlighted as a recycling leader thanks to its effective waste management system and I believe this success to Belgium's extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, which incorporates shared costs and clear accountability. Representing Steel for Packaging Europe, I argued that producers should bear the costs of packaging disposal, advocating for a fair, competitive approach to waste management across Europe.
At Steel for Packaging Europe we support the new PPWR’s focus on "packaging recyclability performance grades," which prioritise “real recycling”, and I emphasised that steel’s enduring lifecycle makes it a prime material for sustainable, long-term recycling efforts. I went so far as to argue that high-quality recycling should be valued on par with reuse in the waste hierarchy.
Steel for Packaging Europe’s priorities for circular economy legislation
Metka Cavka Luciani, our Head of EU Affairs, outlined the association’s legislative priorities as presented in our new EU Vision Paper. Key objectives include:
• Advocating for high-quality recycling to ensure materials are recycled to their original quality levels, avoiding downcycling.
• Promoting separate collection systems across Member States to improve material recovery rates and recycling quality.
• Optimising EPR schemes to incentivise high-quality recycling practices.
• Reducing landfill for recyclable packaging materials.
• Ensuring fair competition by creating a level playing field for EU-made and imported products, essential for supporting circular economy goals.
Looking ahead: the road to circularity
In the coming years, EU Member States will need to incorporate complex, detailed legislation to support material circularity, with steel recycling positioned to play a critical role. Stakeholders agreed the importance of collaboration, not only within the steel sector but also with other organisations, to advocate for sustainable practices and to engage consumers in the transition.
As the debate concluded, Brantjes emphasised that the road ahead will require education, discussion, and preparation, if the EU is to achieve its circular economy ambitions.