Circular economy – opportunity for society

The transition from a linear model of consumption requires a total transformation of the economy and society. It helps to deal effectively with the economic, social and environmental challenges. The basis for this change is the consumer awareness and shift in companies’ thinking.

A new vision of the transition to a circular economy by 2020 proposed the European Commission in its December package. The Commission´s Action Plan, the goals of Circular Economy Package and its impact on the Czech economy was discussed by the representatives of EU institutions, business sector and non-governmental organizations on 9th February 2016 in the European House in Prague. The participants agreed that transition to the circular economy is an opportunity for the overall transformation of the economy.

Nevertheless it means a long-term development that will take effect in next generations. The success of its implementation depends on the signal which will be sent towards enterprises and on the consumer awareness. For proper measurement of the Action Plan´s goals, the Commission must set a uniform methodology that will respect the current situation in each Member State. Today, there are no relevant data in the EU that could be assessed and compared.

Representatives of employers’ organizations also highlighted that implementation of circular economy measures must not result in higher administrative burden, especially for microcompanies a SMEs. Furthermore, financial incentives should be focused on research and innovation and not on operational expenditures that would only distort the market.