The contribution of recyclers to job creation and sustainable growth

Circular economy is about leaving old paths and bringing key solutions to meet current economic, social and environmental challenges. Turning waste into new resources not only offers massive environmental benefits in terms of saving natural resources and reducing energy consumption and pollution, it also provides to downstream industries a reliable source of raw materials. This contributes to increase EU’s industry competitiveness, while creating much needed job opportunities. The benefits of a circular economy have been acknowledged by the Communication “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe”. The new European Commission, led by President Jean-Claude Juncker, has announced that the proposed revision of the EU Waste Legislation will be withdrawn and replaced by a new more ambitious proposal by end 2015.

Against this background, this event will offer the opportunity for key decision-makers and stakeholders to discuss the overarching importance of moving towards an EU circular economy as well as to provide an overview of the state of play of EU policy actions taken to support it. Recyclers, represented by the newly-established European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC), will share their long-standing experience in contributing to a circular economy.

This event will feature a debate, moderated by an experienced freelance journalist.