Toolkit for policymakers

The report provides a step-by-step methodology including 11 tools, which aim to:

• Assess a country’s circular economy starting position, define its ambition level, and select focus areas

• Systematically screen, sector-by-sector, circular economy opportunities, identify barriers that limit these opportunities and analyse policy options to overcome these barriers

• Assess economy-wide implications.

The executive summary including the key learnings, key charts, and an interactive version of the full report may be downloaded below.

What has happened since the release of the Toolkit?

In 2018, the Foundation is developing a new research initiative that further explores the six policy intervention types that were identified in the Toolkit for Policymakers. The goal is to evaluate and analyse the current policy landscape, promote useful resources and contribute to a wider critical discussion on these circular economy levers.

How has the Toolkit been used so far?

• Since the release of the Toolkit for Policymakers, the methodology has been used across a wide variety of projects and government types, e.g. for the Interreg project CirCE. The project involves eight regional and local partners using the Toolkit to increase the capabilities of their policy instruments.

• The case study of Denmark applies the tools presented in the methodology and evaluates opportunities in five focus sectors: food and beverage; construction and real estate; machinery; plastic packaging, and hospitals.

  • You can download the full Danish Case Study and Infographics below

How can I apply the Toolkit?

Resourcing and funding are often the most limiting factors for policymakers and public servants to perform a meaningful assessment of circular economy potential and policymaking in their region. The plug-and-play tools facilitates such assessments for the steps where it is most needed.