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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

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.

Gruppenfoto
Press International | 16.04.24

China and Germany launch Dialogue

Steffi Lemke signed an Action Plan on circular economy and resource efficiency. The countries’ intent is to intensify their joint work in environmental policy and point the way for specific types of environmental cooperation.

Steffi Lemke am Rednerpult
Press International | 01.03.24

UNEA-6 resolves to better protect global water resources

UNEA-6 has taken important decisions to protect global water resources and regulate hazardous chemicals. Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke praises successes for multilateralism.

Steffi Lemke
Press International | 26.02.24

Steffi Lemke represents the German government at UNEA-6 in Nairobi

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke is visiting Nairobi to represent Germany at UNEA-6. At the assembly, the Minister will push for sound global water resources management and sustainable chemicals management.

Gruppenbild von der Weltchemikalienkonferenz – ICCM5
Press Chemical Safety | 30.09.23

Adoption of Global Framework on Chemicals

Bonn Declaration for global sustainable management of chemicals and waste sends strong political signal. Representatives from around the world have adopted a new Global Framework on Chemicals.

Illustration einer Weltkugel mit Fokus auf Europa
Press International | 25.07.23

Steffi Lemke strengthens environmental cooperation with India

The ministers will discuss the climate, biodiversity conservation, marine protection, water supply and circular economy and agree joint goals.

Press Circular Economy | 20.04.23

Circular economy must become a driver for environmental protection

In line with the EU's plans, the German government is striving for the transformation to a circular economy that uses resources sparingly. The National Circular Economy Strategy is intended to bundle the goals necessary for this.

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