Waste is a thing of the past – the circular economy is the future

Together with partners worldwide, we are committed to effectively implementing the circular economy.

Shaping the framework for the circular economy

We support governments in developing, implementing and scaling circular economy strategies, ensuring that economic, environmental and climate policy flow together in a targeted manner. The legal and regulatory framework conditions are also a central focus. This also includes strengthening manufacturers’ responsibility for their products and providing tax-based and economic incentives to encourage investment in sustainable business models. The objective: to protect nature, reduce emissions, and keep waste out of the oceans and the environment.

Making municipal waste management sustainable

Sustainable waste management plays a key role in urban development and climate change mitigation Cities and municipalities must send less waste to landfill and at the same time reduce the costs of collection and transportation. Smart waste and recycling concepts create the basis for better services. 

We support municipalities in strengthening their administration and advise on planning, implementation and monitoring. In doing so, we make sure to involve all citizens – including disadvantaged groups. The objective: to avoid waste, compost organic waste or generate energy from it, recycle more.

How companies benefit from the circular transition

Consuming less material and energy and producing less waste makes companies more sustainable and, often, also more profitable. With intelligent technologies and processes, companies can protect the environment and save money at the same time. Specifically: using materials more sparingly, avoiding waste, reusing products, recycling more and making use of recycled raw materials.

We help companies switch to sustainable materials and environmentally friendly product design – for example through standards or life cycle analyses. Together with companies and associations, we develop innovative solutions and promote their dissemination.

The objective is to mine fewer primary raw materials and reduce environmental damage during extraction. New technologies for recycled materials and cooperation between companies and public bodies can help produce less waste and make better use of raw materials.

Communication that makes the circular economy understandable

Global environmental issues can only be solved if we fundamentally change our consumer behavior. Although the economic value of nature is well documented, this information does not automatically lead to changed actions in politics, business or everyday life. The decisive factor is how we talk about it.

Only if sustainability is communicated in an understandable and relevant way can it motivate people to act. Campaigns, educational and training offers make connections visible and promote sustainable consumption patterns.

Environmental labels and other information aids make it easier for consumers to choose circular products. The public sector can also strengthen the dissemination of sustainable products through targeted procurement. 

Shaping the circular economy digitally

Digitalisation is driving the transition to a circular economy by making waste management processes more efficient and transparent. Digital technologies make it possible to track materials and products throughout their entire life cycle. They promote reuse and recycling and support data-based decisions for sustainable business.

Digital tools allow costs and impacts to be better assessed – and successful approaches to be proven, disseminated and further developed. Digital solutions also strengthen cooperation between public authorities and companies and open up new ways of preventing environmental pollution. At the same time, we are developing circular systems that also reduce the negative consequences of digitalisation itself.

Networks for change

The circular economy can only succeed if everyone along the value chain works together – including across national borders. This is why we’re building networks such as the PREVENT Waste Alliance, an international partnership for waste prevention and the circular economy. Together with companies, civil society groups, research institutions and government agencies, we develop solutions that are based on circular principles and can be adapted to local conditions – covering everything from production and consumption to waste management.