Industry unites in dismay at news on EU’s Circular Economy Package

Resources & Environmental Managament Industries, Manufacturers and NGO's unite to state dismay at news about Circular Economy Package, and call for Defra to express support

The UK’s most influential representative bodies for the resource and waste management sector have combined with EEF the manufacturers’ organisation, the Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) and Friends of the Earth (England Wales and Northern Ireland) (FoE) to express dismay at reports that the EU Circular Economy package is to be withdrawn. 

In a joint statement, members of the Trade Association Group (TAG), EEF, EIC and FoE said:

It is with dismay that we learn of developments this week in which we understand that the EU Circular Economy package is to be axed by the European Commission from its 2015 Work Programme.

Many industry stakeholders including the undersigned have expressed their support for the proposals whilst fully recognising that a full and reasoned debate is necessary on aspects of the package.  There is a very broad consensus amongst industry groups and associations, major companies, NGOs and municipalities that the Circular Economy package offers huge potential for green job creation, resource security, environmental protection and economic growth.

This broad consensus is echoed by industry associations in the UK, and we call today upon the UK Government to issue a clear and unequivocal statement of its position in relation to the proposed withdrawal of the Circular Economy package.   We further call upon Defra Secretary of State Liz Truss to use her good offices to communicate with President Juncker and First Vice-President Timmermans and urge upon them the importance of retaining the Circular Economy package for the long term benefit of Europe’s environment, economy and competitiveness.

A letter to Defra Secretary of State Liz Truss expressing this concern and calling for her intervention has been sent today.