Commerce backs drive for a more circular economy: devil in the detail. The commerce sector concurs with the European Commission that a more circular economy is the way forward to deal with finite resources. The sector is already taking many measures to use resources more efficiently and increase recycling.
In reaction to the European Commission Communication “Towards a circular economy: A zero waste programme for Europe”1, Christian Verschueren, Director-General of EuroCommerce, underlined that commerce has a long history of viewing waste as a resource. “In fact, the retail and wholesale sector is already adhering and implementing many of the principles of a true circular economy.
For example, some leading companies are encouraging their customers to bring back old items such as textiles or electrical and electronic equipment so that they can be recycled. We are nevertheless keen to discuss new ideas and initiatives.”
In its proposal to revise the waste directive, the European Commission establishes minimum requirements for extended producer responsibility to increase the percentage of waste effectively recycled.
Producer responsibility holds producers/importers accountable for the waste management of their products. With these new requirements we expect that the roles and responsibilities of the actors involved be clarified so as to not result in new unnecessary burdens or obligations for retailers and wholesalers.
On the suggested extension of new business models to contribute to a more circular economy, such as renting and leasing, Christian Verschueren commented that for the retail and wholesale sector this approach has its limits. “A luxury or high-value item such as a party dress can easily be rented. However, extending this to everyday products would neither be workable nor commercially viable.”
