Sustainability


CIRCULARITY MEETS LEGISLATION


 explains why regulation is giving the circular economy megatrend added impetus.


T


he global push towards sustainability has become one of the most important social and political issues since the Industrial


Revolution. In this context, the circular economy is an important model for eliminating waste and promoting the continual use of resources through reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling. As such, the concept aligns closely with international sustainability initiatives, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, by fostering responsible consumption and production. In practical terms, circular economy activity


can take many forms, from using renewable energies and recycling plastic back into manufacturing processes to designing products that maximise durability and ease of repair. According to a study by Deloitte, the circular economy is projected to help reduce emissions


28 | January/February 2025


by 40%, generate nearly two million jobs, and become a $2-3 billion market in the coming years. Tere remains a huge amount to do, however, with the same report also pointing out that “global circularity is still in decline despite a circular economy ‘megatrend.’” Te importance of sustainability and the


circular economy has also attracted the attention of governments and regulators. Among the most important current examples is the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into force in July last year.


According to the European Commission, the ESPR “aims to significantly improve the sustainability of products placed on the EU market by improving their circularity, energy performance, recyclability and durability.” For example, ESPR aims to enhance


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