Umicore calls upon the EU to seize the circular economy momentum

Umicore and seven other multinational companies, the CE8, have joined forces to promote development of a circular economy for Europe.

Umicore and seven other multinational companies, the CE8, have joined forces to promote development of a circular economy for Europe. The aim of the coalition is to encourage sustainable business practices, the efficient allocation of resources, and to unlock investments for circular innovation.

An informal coalition of eight diverse and forward-looking companies, CE8 is made up of: DSM, IKEA Group, Michelin, Philips Lighting, SUEZ, Tetra Pak, Umicore and Unilever. Each have integrated circular economy principles into their business strategies spanning the entire value chain in their different industrial sectors.

It is the firm conviction of these companies that an essential driver for sustainable growth in Europe is to move away from a linear “Take, Make, Waste” economy towards a circular use of resources. However, the companies have identified limits and barriers to this transition, which deter creation of a supportive business environment and investment climate.

The CE8 calls on the European Union to establish a regulatory framework to secure access to sustainably sourced and bio-based raw materials; to extend product lifecycles through recycling and re-manufacturing; to guarantee high quality recycling and the uptake of secondary raw materials. Policy-makers should encourage innovation in services and smarter use of resources as key levers in the creation of a circular economy.

Members of the coalition are ready to build on the Action Plan presented by the European Commission in December 2015, and to work with the Commission to accelerate and broaden the transition to a circular economy.