18 March 2025 12:00 – 14:30
Press Club, Rue Froissart 95, Brussels
The panel discussion “Closing All Loops: Circularity Down to the Last Scrap” explored the key challenges and policy measures needed to drive circularity in waste management. Starting with the presentation of EPICO’s homonymous policy brief, the conversation highlighted the role of economic instruments, regulatory coherence, and market incentives in boosting the use of secondary raw materials and reducing reliance on landfilling and incineration. A major barrier remains the lack of large-scale demand for secondary raw materials, particularly plastics, metals, and aluminium. Policies should prioritise creating stronger market incentives and regulatory measures to close this gap.
Economic instruments and regulatory frameworks are essential to ensuring compliance. While legal obligations play a role, panellists stressed that incentives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, tax benefits, and Green Public Procurement (GPP) could significantly enhance circular economy efforts. However, harmonisation across Member States remains a challenge, as inconsistencies in definitions of recycled materials create regulatory fragmentation. A common EU-wide standard for plastics and waste classification is necessary to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and recycling efforts.
The panel also debated the role of Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs) in waste management. While CCfDs have proven effective in the energy sector, their applicability in waste and recycling is less clear due to the regional nature of waste markets. Some speakers viewed CCfDs as a stepping stone for lead markets, while others argued that a more immediate focus on GPP and mandatory sustainability criteria would create a stronger business case for circularity. Meanwhile, the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) remains an area of contention, as it includes incineration but excludes landfilling. A more coherent approach is needed to ensure that both landfilling and incineration are addressed equitably.
Panellists reaffirmed the urgent need for more targeted economic incentives, regulatory coherence, and market-driven solutions to advance circularity in waste management. Moving forward, a combination of financial instruments, policy adjustments, and stronger market incentives will be essential to bridging existing gaps and ensuring a truly circular economy.
Programme of the day:
12:00 Registration & Lunch
12:15 Opening Presentation by Bernd Weber, CEO, EPICO KlimaInnovation
12:30 Panel Discussion
- Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea, Director, Circular Economy, DG ENV
- Maria-Vera Duran, Senior Technical Manager, EuRIC
- Roy Janssen, CTO, PreZero Netherlands
- Bernd Weber, CEO, EPICO KlimaInnovation
- Kira Taylor, EU Energy and Climate Reporter (moderator)
13:45 Closing Remarks
13:50 Networking drinks
Read the key quotes from our speakers:
Big policy ideas need to be fine-tuned with reality. Right now, we lack the large-scale demand needed to drive a real circular economy
Recycled plastics are different throughout the Member States. What is a product in Spain is considered waste in France. We need harmonisation
Overcapacity in incineration exists, yet many countries still rely heavily on landfilling. We need a more balanced transition.
CCfDs are helpful for some waste segments, but they are only a stepping stone for lead markets.