In recent years , the challenges of meeting the climate goals set in the 2015 Paris Agreement , coupled with increasing resource use , are challenging policymakers and business leaders to reconfigure production , consumption and resource management within economies , value chains and businesses . The Circular Economy is seen as the approach needed to shift businesses and economies onto a more sustainable energy and resource use path . According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation , the global think tank promoting the concept , the Circular Economy is “ based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution , keeping products and materials in use , and regenerating natural systems ”. The World Economic Forum and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development have both endorsed it , while many major brands , sectors and other businesses are adjusting their business models and operations to implement the principles . In the public policy sphere , the EU has taken a global lead in promoting the adoption of Circular Economy models and adjusting its product and resources policies and legislative instruments to increase circularity at the macroeconomic level . This shift is given further impetus by the accelerating renewable and e-mobility trend and also the impact of COVID-19 , which is leading to a major review of supply chain dependencies on energy and raw materials .
Bromine industry
The bromine industry , as part of the chemical industry , has substantial innovative capacity . This is a key enabler in the development of ways to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and contribute to meeting the goals of the European Green Deal , the Paris agreement and the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals . In the EU , the International Bromine Council ( BSEF ) supports CEFIC ’ s view that guiding principles are needed for the development of a Circular Economy . 1 These include :
• Developing a sustainable business case in which economic , societal and environmental aspects are balanced , while maintaining the competitiveness of the European industry
• Increasing the share of circular feedstock , through reuse of materials , using more durable materials , resource recovery and mechanical , dissolution and chemical recycling technologies
• Building on and driving scientific and technological innovations , to use resources better as well as ensure effective and efficient end of life reuse , recycling or other sustainable end of life solutions
• Ensuring a life-cycle approach to effectively ensure the reduction of chemical exposure and emissions
• Taking a collective value chain approach over the lifecycle of materials and products to enhance circularity
BSEF supports CEFIC ’ s position on the Circular Economy
• Recognising and reinforcing a risk-based approach to end-of-life treatment of materials containing hazardous substances
BSEF endorsed these principles publicly in its position paper on the EU Circular Economy published in June 2020 . 2 It also provided its views on a number of the issues and priority actions outlined in the European Commission ’ s Action Plan . Additionally , BSEF and its member companies are active in the Chemicals Recycling Coalition , a platform encompassing 39 organisations representing plastics producers , converters , users and recyclers , which is coordinated by CEFIC and Plastics Europe . The coalition is working to develop a clear understanding of what chemical recycling is and to promote its role in helping improve plastics circularity . Finally , BSEF has developed its own programme to address practical challenges and issues , as well as perceptions , around the ‣
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