Circular Economy Act: Commission launches key actions

On 2 July, the European Commission unveiled a series of new measures to advance the EU’s transition to a circular economy and lay the foundation for the forthcoming Circular Economy Act, expected in 2026.

These initiatives aim to:

• strengthen the internal market for secondary materials
• improve resource efficiency, and
• support the EU’s targets under the Competitiveness Compass and Clean Industrial Deal

They include the goal of doubling the use of recycled materials in the EU economy by 2030.

At the centre of the launch was a Strategic Dialogue on Circularity between key stakeholders and key European Commissioners, including Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall and Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.

Following the high-level dialogue, the Commission announced several measures:

• Waste shipments: The Commission will roll out a Digital Waste Shipment System, which will fully replace paper-based procedures by May 2026. It aims to reduce administrative burden, improve traceability, and facilitate recycling across borders.
• Classification of waste: A public consultation was launched to harmonise the classification of “green-listed” waste, with the goal of simplifying cross-border shipments. The consultation will remain open until 31 October 2025.
• Electronic waste (WEEE): The Commission also published an evaluation of the WEEE Directive, revealing that nearly half of all e-waste remains uncollected in the EU. The findings underscore the need for a new regulatory approach, which will be addressed in a forthcoming revision of the WEEE Directive as part of the Circular Economy Act.

Additional measures, including new rules on battery recycling and material recovery, are expected in the coming days.

A specific public consultation and call for evidence on the forthcoming Circular Economy Act will be launched shortly.

Landbell Group contributes to conversations

On 4 July, Dr Thomas Fischer, Landbell Group’s Head of Market Intelligence & Governmental Affairs, met the Cabinet of Stéphane Séjourné, the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy.

Thomas was invited following a previous meeting with the Cabinet of Jessika Roswall, the Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy.

During the meeting, Thomas expressed Landbell Group’s support for the new Commission’s priorities – particularly on competitiveness, simplification and the Single Market – and welcomed the upcoming Circular Economy Act.

He also communicated our willingness to share our pan-European presence, and technical expertise in EPR and secondary raw materials markets, to support the discussions and work ahead.

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