In order to improve the understanding of the concept of Circular Economy, the Center for European Policy Studies (CEPS) published a report on April 7, which reviews definitions, processes and impacts in different sectors and the value chains.
The conclusions of the report are very interesting:
• The Circular Economy has achieved wide appeal among the academic, political and business sectors, but its interpretation and application have been very diverse. Although some definitions and interpretations focus on aspects of physical and material resources, others go further and discuss a major transformation of the economic system that involves various sectors and issues that go beyond material resources and waste.
• Available studies take different approaches when calculating impact, making it difficult to compare results from different sources.
• There is a need at EU level for greater clarity on the areas and sectors that fall within the scope of the Circular Economy. This can help avoid confusion, as well as support the preparation of studies that provide consistent messages about the potential effects that Circular Economy could generate.
• In order to avoid simplistic messages, for each case of applying a circular economy process to a sector, all parameters that play a role in the overall sustainability of the circular process that has to replace a linear process must be carefully considered.
• It is important to provide clarity on the expected impact across sectors on employment. This would also assist policymakers in designing well-targeted transitional policy measures to manage negative impacts.
• Although the effects on employment of the Circular Economy in terms of the number of jobs have been analyzed in several studies, evaluations of other social and employment impacts seem to be less present in the literature.
• Indirect effects on the economy (e.g., value chain impacts and / or changes in consumption patterns) need to be understood to estimate overall impacts at EU or national level.
From LIFE Sarmiento we take note of these conclusions and support their consideration by researchers and policy makers, who are designing new policies for the arrival of the circular economy to civil society.
In this link you can consult the published report.