Facilitating the potential of permanent materials in EU circular economy

Practical Information:

• Composition of the Study Group:
• Administrator / Assistant: Adam DORYWALSKI / Santiago DIAZ-DE-VILLEGAS LE BOUFFANT
• Contact: e-mail
• The EU Youth Test at the EESC is being applied to this opinion. Human Development Research Initiative (HDRI) was chosen by a group of interested youth organisations to represent all of them during the opinion-making process.

Facilitating the potential of permanent materials in EU circular economy

The European Commission intends to publish a new Circular Economy Act, notably for secondary materials, in line with the new Clean Industrial Deal for competitive industries and a resource efficient and decarbonized economy. To achieve climate neutrality by 2050, retaining the value of resources in the EU economy and industries for longer, and thus creating a fully functional circular economy, is crucial. The permanent materials, such as aluminium and steel, can be endlessly recycled without losing their inherent properties, hence keeping the 'same-quality level' and contributing to sustainable resource management.

This opinion intends to focus on permanent materials potential, to make full use of their benefits and properties, while addressing different challenges involving water, decarbonisation and circular economy. Furthermore, the recommendations of the opinion will contribute to the development of the upcoming new Circular Economy Act and the announced Water Resilience Strategy, to enhance competitiveness, innovation and strategic autonomy of the EU. The recommendations should also be reflected in other future EU policy initiatives concerning sustainable resource management and decarbonisation, to ensure a comprehensive and cross-cutting approach with the EU Clean Industrial Deal.