Major businesses operating across different sectors have come together to call on the European Commission to use the Circular EconomyCircular EconomyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. Act to build a true single market for circular solutions.
In a joint letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and key Commissioners, businesses spanning consumer goods, electronics, fashion, furniture, healthcare, packaging, and finance set out three priorities they believe must sit at the heart of the Act:
A European single market for circular solutions: based on harmonised definitions, streamlined cross-border procedures, and convergence of Extended Producer Responsibility systems
A level playing field: including VAT reforms, circular public procurement requirements, and complementary economic incentives that make circular business models cost-competitive with linear alternatives
Supply chain collaboration and finance solutions: through investment de-risking, an EU Secondary Materials Platform, and trans-regional circularity hubs
These priorities closely reflect the policy levers set out in the Foundation's white paper. The letter is a clear signal from business that they are ready to act — and that they need the policy support and regulatory conditions that allows them to do so at scale.
The coordination of this group of businesses has been supported by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
