Communication COM/2015/614 final
The EU’s first Circular Economy Action Plan, adopted in 2015, marked a fundamental shift from the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model to a circular approach focused on resource efficiency and sustainability. The plan introduced measures across the entire product lifecycle, including design, production, consumption, waste management, and the use of secondary raw materials.
Key actions included revising waste-related directives, establishing a monitoring framework, and promoting innovation and investment to accelerate the transition. The plan prioritized biomass and biobased products, recognizing their role in reducing dependency on non-renewable resources and supporting climate objectives. It encouraged waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and the development of secondary material markets to close resource loops.
Specific measures targeted improved separate collection of bio-waste and its valorisation through composting and anaerobic digestion, enabling nutrient recovery and soil enhancement. By laying the foundation for EU-wide circular economy policies, this action plan remains a cornerstone for subsequent legislation and strategies, driving sustainable growth and resource efficiency across Member States.
Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:
The action plan highlights biomass and biobased products as priorities, promoting bio-waste valorisation through composting and anaerobic digestion for nutrient recovery and soil health. It supports improved separate collection and recycling of organic waste, reinforcing circular economy principles and reducing landfill dependency. These measures underpin EU strategies for sustainable resource management and climate-friendly agriculture.
EU
Full title: Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European economic and Social Committee of the Regions — Closing the loop — An EU action plan for the circular economy
Publication date: 2015
Instrument type: Communication
Binding for EU MS: No
Keywords: circular economy, resource efficiency, waste prevention, biomass, biobased products, eco-design, product lifecycle, innovation, secondary raw materials, recycling