EU Action Plan for a Circular Economy

The European Steel Association welcomed the release of the Circular Economy Action Plan. The Sector believes that the Action Plan is an important step in the development of a truly circular economy in Europe. However, there is a lack of incentives for the use of scrap steel in the EU, undermining the circularity and climate objectives of the EU.

Axel Eggert said: “As producers of essential, 100% recyclable and permanent material, steelmakers strive to put circularity at the center of EU policy. However, in addition to the first principles of circular economy, there are deeper considerations that need to be considered, in particular this Commission Communication. "

He said: “The Sustainable Product Policy Initiative, which has expanded the Ecodesign Directive to help circularity, and assessing the sustainability of products, for example, is a good thing. It is also important to have reliable tools to justify environmental requirements for products - to support consumers and buyers in making truly sustainable decisions. ”

He added that EUROFER also fully supports the development of the market for secondary raw materials in the EU. We need a European-wide criteria for granting the status of “by-product” or “final waste” to certain industrial flows generated during the production process. More broadly, when secondary raw materials - whether produced as waste or as a by-product, are suitable for certain applications and can be safely used - their market access must be improved regardless of their legal status. "

Another issue addressed in the Action Plan relates to the diversion of waste to export markets. Carbon embedded in scrap means that using it as a raw material can help reduce emissions from steelmaking.

While welcoming the Action Plan, EUROFER nevertheless calls for caution regarding certain elements. Not all content is the same, and a one-size-fits-all policy will not work for all. The path to greater circulation must be based on scientific, fact-based principles. Otherwise, Communication intent may not improve circularity.