PDF: Policy Statement for the German National Circular Economy Strategy (IN ENGLISH)
PDF: Stellungnahme zu Nationalen Kreislaufwirtschaftsstrategie (IN GERMAN)
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Introduction
CircularPSP, together with Circular Berlin (CB), Circular Munich (CM), and Circular Black Forest (CBF), has submitted a comprehensive policy paper in response to the draft National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS). The submission highlights the need for an inclusive societal vision of circularity, integrating local practices and sector-specific measures.
The National Circular Economy Strategy, developed by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV), aims to implement a circular economy by 2045. CircularPSP, CB, CM, and CBF have offered detailed recommendations and insights into how this strategy can be improved to ensure a more holistic approach, including:
1. Circular Economy as a Societal Vision
The policy paper stresses the importance of viewing the circular economy not only as a set of environmental and economic policies but as a comprehensive societal vision. This includes embedding sustainable consumption practices in everyday life and making affordability a key component of these goals, ensuring equitable access for all.
2. Integration of Local Circular Economy Practices
CircularPSP, CB, CM, and CBF emphasise the need for local circular economy practices to be recognised and integrated into national climate contributions. Cities, regions, and local economies play a pivotal role in achieving circularity, and their contributions should be reflected in the strategy.
3. Sector-Specific Goals
The document also outlines sector-specific ambitions, calling for stronger targets in industries like construction, textiles, metalworking, and plastics. This includes greater use of recycled materials, circular design principles, and more comprehensive recycling and waste management processes.
4. Circular Procurement and Implementation Frameworks
The paper highlights the need for circular procurement to be embedded throughout entire organisations, rather than being confined to procurement departments. A cultural shift is needed, one that fosters circular thinking at every level. Furthermore, the implementation framework must be supported by strong leadership, adequate funding, community involvement, and education to facilitate successful transformation.
5. Gaps in the Draft Strategy
The paper identifies several areas where the draft NKWS falls short, particularly the lack of consideration for the food and agriculture sectors, as well as the insufficient focus on the role of waste incineration in a circular economy. Addressing these gaps will be essential for a more inclusive and effective national strategy.
Next Steps
CircularPSP project and its Follower Network (including CM, and CBF) will remain committed to contribute to the development of CE policies, both on national and EU level. In addition to this submission, we will further develop a policy paper on a Circular Economy (CE) taxonomy, which will be presented to the European Commission at the conclusion of the project. This paper aims to define a core terminology, identify data sources and document data standards and protocols.
