Today, the European Chemical Industry Council (°®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾) in partnership with management consultancy, UNITY, launches a joint study: “Accelerating the Circular Transformation: Insights, Challenges, and Pathways for the Chemical Industry and Beyond.â€�
The study offers key insights from interviews with industry experts, supported by case studies, into where the European chemical industry stands in the shift to a circular economy, and how to accelerate it.
High costs, gaps in infrastructure, complex regulations, and low demand for circular productions continue to limit progress. These are structural changes that require coordinated solutions from industry and policymakers alike.
“The message is clear: while the industry is stepping up, scaling circularity will require decisive action across the entire policy, business, and societal ecosystem.â€�, says Marco Mensink, °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ Director General.
Based on findings, the study sets out a 5-Point Action Plan to drive forward the transition:
- Drive forward a supportive regulatory framework with targeted incentives.
- Facilitate investments in circular infrastructure and technologies.
- Embed circular thinking across the economy and society.
- Foster innovation through new forms of multi-stakeholder collaboration.
- Monitor progress to close implementation gaps.
A survey of °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ members reveals that:Â
- 90 % report high impact on their business activity due to the transition to a more circular economy.
- 72 % cite customer demand for circular models as a key driver.
- 82 % confirm the circular economy is embedded in corporate strategy.
- 52 % state their companies are advanced in the transition.
The findings of the study were discussed today at the °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾-UNITY EU Green Week partner event: “Competitiveness & Circularity: A Win-Win for Europe’s Chemical Industry?â€�. The event brought together over 150 participants from across industry, policy, and civil society to explore explore challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions to accelerate the chemical industry’s circular transition.
The key takeaways from the event will soon be made available on the °®ÓÎÏ·Öйú¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ website.
