♻️ Today, on #GlobalRecyclingDay, I had the opportunity to attend "Loop Forward. Building a Circular Economy for a Sustainable and Competitive Europe," organized by Confindustria.
The event highlighted the critical role of the upcoming Circular Economy Act in bringing much-needed simplification and creating a level playing field for EU companies in the recycled materials sector. Institutional and industry representatives came together to underline the importance of this framework, emphasizing that it must not only drive sustainability but also help European companies remain competitive on a global scale.
🔹 Circularity is the first step toward decarbonization and energy efficiency. As Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea 🇪🇺 (European Commission) stated, leveraging circular economy tools will improve market efficiency while supporting Europe’s sustainability and energy goals. He stressed that circularity must remain a long-term priority to ensure both economic and environmental progress.
🔹Creating demand for recyclates and ensuring a harmonized Single Market are critical. Emmanuel KATRAKIS (FEDEREC) emphasized that a functional circular economy depends on strong markets for recycled materials, but regulatory inconsistencies across Member States create barriers. As MEP Massimiliano Salini illustrated with the example of labelling requirements, regulatory differences across countries highlight the need for greater harmonization to prevent market fragmentation.
🔹 Europe’s circular economy must also account for national differences. As Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, pointed out, clear and harmonized rules are needed, but they must also respect the unique characteristics of each country and its growth model. Europe is made up of diverse realities, and ensuring compatibility across regions is not easy.
🔹 Technology-neutral solutions are key to decarbonization. As Confindustria’s President, Emanuele Orsini, underlined, supporting innovation across all industries—without ideological barriers—will drive both sustainability and competitiveness.
🔹 Paper packaging is a frontrunner in circularity. As Antonio D’Amato (Seda International Packaging Group) pointed out, Italy has already exceeded its collection and recycling targets, proving that ambitious sustainability goals can be met without over-regulation. With the highest recycling rate of any material, paper packaging is a model sector for achieving circularity.
A big thank you to European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) for the opportunity to represent them at this event.