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Circular Economy

Circular Economy

The concept of circular economy means using materials sparingly, preserving the value of raw materials and products for a long time and keeping them in circulation. It includes all phases of value creation – from product design and production to consumption, repair and waste management.

The waste hierarchy is essential to a modern circular economy. It prioritises waste prevention, followed by reuse, recycling, recovery and lastly disposal. Material cycles should be closed as far as possible and contaminants removed. This allows waste to be reintroduced to the economy as secondary raw materials and natural resources to be conserved.

Latest on Circular Economy

Infografik NKWS
Press Circular Economy | 04.12.24

Federal Cabinet adopts National Circular Economy Strategy

Federal Cabinet adopted the National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES). With it, the German government has created a long-term framework – for the environment, society and industry – for the transition to a circular economy.

Gesprächsrunde auf der COP29 zu Methan mit Vertretern der Länder
Press International | 20.11.24

Climate killer methane from organic waste to be reduced worldwide

Germany joins the "Declaration on the Elimination of Methane from Organic Waste" at COP29. The aim is to significantly reduce methane emissions from the agriculture, energy and waste sectors by 2030.

Steffi Lemke spricht mit Mikrofon in der Hand
Press International | 23.04.24

UN ministers push for a strong UN instrument to combat plastic pollution

A high-level meeting of environment ministers in Ottawa, Canada concluded on Monday with a clear framework for a far-reaching global UN agreement to end plastic pollution.

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