Debate around climate change, population growth and the scarcity of resources have intensified, focussed minds and led to action: from Zero Plastic or Zero Waste movements driven by consumers to research by companies into new ways to recycle waste, society is leaving linearity behind and embracing a model based on reduce, reuse and recycle. This is linked to broader, supranational actions such as the publication of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, followed by the Paris Climate Accord towards the end of 2015.
The European Union has also been active on the Circular Economy since 2015. The flagship Circular Economy Action Plan is best known for the action on Single Use Plastics, but it covers a broad array of resources such as water and electronic waste. But although the European Commission has formally declared its Action Plan a success, the road is still long. New technologies (think chemical recycling) and insights (what is the impact of less plastic packaging on food waste?) are constantly emerging, challenging the status quo and possibly requiring an adaptation of legislation. And lastly, there is always the question of implementation: often ideas on paper end up looking different in practice.
FTI Consulting has a dedicated circular economy unit with extensive experience and a successful track record of identifying, accessing and shaping European legislation and developing integrated communication programmes for a broad range of clients across multiple sectors and markets. Whether you need on the ground intelligence, support on engaging in the policy debate or initiate a broader public engagement programme, we can help.