Did you know that FEAD and the European Commission is calling for legislation on secondary materials?

In May, we published our manifesto, advocating for a Circular Material Use Act and a European Industrial Deal. This aligns with the Political Guidelines for the European Commission for 2024-2029, published in July, which call for a new Circular Economy Act and a Clean Industrial Deal.

One of our key asks is for the introduction of a Circular Material Use Act. To truly establish a circular economy, Europe must ensure the availability of large quantities of high-quality secondary raw materials. For the circular economy to function effectively, there needs to be a constant demand for recycled materials that can compete with the quality standards and prices of virgin materials. This will create a robust market for secondary materials and facilitate the development of a single market for waste, particularly concerning critical raw materials.

von der Leyen’s political guidelines echo this need by calling for a new Circular Economy Act. This proposed legislation aims to help ‘create market demand for secondary materials and a single market for waste’, emphasising the importance of integrating circularity into Europe’s economic model.

In addition to this, FEAD is advocating for a European Industrial Deal that will make Europe’s industry:

• Sustainable, by meeting the climate objectives laid out in the Green Deal.
• Competitive, by supporting a strong and resilient manufacturing base within Europe.
• Circular, by shifting Europe’s overall material use towards recycled materials.

von der Leyen’s guidelines resonate with our vision, as she calls for a Clean Industrial Deal within the first 100 days of her mandate. This deal is set to focus on creating the right conditions for companies to thrive, ensuring access to affordable, sustainable, and secure energy supplies and raw materials.

At FEAD, we are committed to working closely with the new Commission to drive forward these essential changes. Together, we can achieve a circular economy that not only protects our planet but also strengthens Europe’s industrial future.

Curious to learn more? Check out our manifesto here!