MEPs want the EU to end the linear take-make-dispose economy model, and move to a true circular economy that saves resources and creates a market for secondary raw materials, with incentives, in the interests of the planet and the competitiveness of European industry.
The own-initiative report by Jan Huitema (Renew Europe, the Netherlands) on the Second EU Circular Economy Action Plan, debated on Monday 8 February and barely amended on Tuesday, shows a broad consensus on the ambitious measures advocated by the European Parliament, which go beyond the proposal made in March by the European Commission (see EUROPE 12645/5).
In particular, Parliament calls for binding 2030 targets to reduce the footprint created by the use and consumption of materials, covering the whole lifecycle of each product category placed on the EU market.
Parliament also calls on the Commission for specific binding targets for each product and/or sector for minimum recycled content and, as of this year, harmonised circular economy indicators. MEPs also insist on the revision of the Ecodesign Directive, green public procurement and certificates for recycled products.
Among the new rights to be created for consumers are those mentioned by MEPs: - sustainability principles and product-specific standards for performance, durability, repairability and recycling; - the right to repair with access to spare parts and affordable repair services; - a digital product passport containing information on repairability, social and environmental footprint and supply chain traceability; - information on repairability and durability to avoid ‘greenwashing’ and false advertising promises; - measures against the deliberate reduction of product lifetime (programmed obsolescence).
“90% of products follow a linear pattern - they are used once or twice before becoming waste. If we continue, in 2050 we will not need just one Earth, but three. If we don't scale up our circular economy, we will not achieve the Green Deal targets and become climate neutral by 2050. The circular economy is not only good for the environment, but also for the economy”, Jan Huitema emphasised during the debate.
EPP group MEPs called for the presentation of an “ambitious legislative proposal on sustainable products” this year and insisted on the need to stimulate the market for recycled materials.
The Greens/EFA insisted on the request made to the Commission to regulate recycling more strictly in order to avoid substances of concern for the environment and health.
The results of the vote on the resolution, which took place on Tuesday evening, will be known on Wednesday morning.
While welcoming the main body of the report, the ECR group said it would abstain because of “doubts about its overall credibility and long-term viability”. The Group deplores the failure to take into account implementation problems currently facing Member States with the existing legislative targets under the 2018 Waste legislative package.
The Commissioner for the Environment, Virginijus Sinkevičius, welcomed Parliament’s support and a positive agenda with benefits for citizens and advantages for businesses. “Thank you for this comprehensive report for a cleaner and more competitive Europe. Today, only 12% of raw materials are recycled. If we don’t act now, waste generation will rise 70% by 2050. This shows the need to reduce our consumption footprint for an economy that gives back to the Planet more than it takes away”, he said.
Recalling that the proposal for a Regulation on batteries and their waste, made in December, was the first (see EUROPE 12620/13), the Commissioner confirmed that “the Commission will present an initiative on sustainable products before the end of the year”. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)