Strategic Focus: Understanding The Key Policies Driving Circular Economy Adoption

03 Jan, 2024

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Executive Summary

In order to support local, national and regional sustainability goals, governments are increasing the rollout of policies, strategies and regulations that outline requirements for organizations to integrate more circular operations into their business practices. This report provides information on some of the key initiatives that corporates should be aware of in a growing ESG and sustainability regulatory environment, with specific details for certain industries and some practical measures to embed circular economy practices. 
Circular economy policies are growing in breadth and depth of coverage
A combination of regulation, fiscal policy and nationwide strategy is defining the circular economy landscape
Apparel, automotive and process industries face the biggest push
Engagement presents an opportunity for value
Turning requirements into opportunities requires ambition
Figure 1. Policies, roadmaps, regulations and strategies for circular economy initiatives
Figure 2. EU directives, strategies and regulations for circularity
Figure 3. Timeline of significant implementation dates for circular economy policies 

About the Authors

Guy Lewis

Guy Lewis

Industry Analyst

Guy is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix ESG & Sustainability practice. He currently leads research on circular economy software and services and supports research acro...

Kim Knickle

Kim Knickle

Research Director

Kim Knickle is a Research Director at Verdantix, bringing more than two decades of analyst experience to the evolving world of sustainability. Her current research spans ESG a...

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