In Sapporo (Japan, 15-16 April), G7 Environment Ministers committed to promoting business partnerships that lead on the circular economy and resource efficiency and to “bring down plastic pollution to zero by 2040” - a “new G7 target” welcomed by EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius.
They also agreed on six principles of the circular economy and resource efficiency (CEREP) to encourage business leadership, action and partnerships.
The aim is to encourage companies to develop initiatives and intensify their actions in favour of the circular economy, to promote the commitment to the public and the financial sector, and to promote their voluntary actions.
The principles adopted are: 1) leadership for corporate-wide circular economy and resource efficiency strategies; 2) integration of circular economy and resource efficiency approaches into climate, biodiversity and pollution reduction strategies and actions; 3) identification of risks and opportunities; 4) transition to circular and resource efficient businesses; 5) improved monitoring and reporting; 6) multi-stakeholder partnerships and engagement.
The G7 communiqué: https://aeur.eu/f/6c3 and the six principles: https://aeur.eu/f/6c2 (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)