The coronavirus pandemic, economic crisis and war in Ukraine have shown that a throwaway society is no longer fit for purpose. It makes sense to use recyclable products instead of destroying them, and not just for environmental reasons; a circular economy also increases the security of raw material supplies.
The circular economy is at the heart of the auction industry.
The goods and resources brought back onto the market through auctions are part of the sustainability strategy that publicly appointed, sworn auctioneers regularly pursue by utilizing valuable pledged goods nationally and internationally in the best possible way. In this way, they contribute to the intelligent use of raw materials.
The recyclability of products has been on the European Commission’s agenda for several years. In March 2020, it presented an action plan for the circular economy*, which focuses on waste prevention and management and aims to promote the EU’s economic growth and competitiveness. It also aims to strengthen the Union’s global leadership in sustainability by minimizing environmental damage and reducing waste generation.
The EU information portal states on 10.03.2022: “The scarcity of resources and climate change require a transition from a throwaway society in which we take, produce, consume and throw away to a carbon-neutral, ecologically sustainable and pollution-free circular economy by 2050.”
MEPs therefore advocate promoting the reusability and reparability of products in the European Union and extending product lifetimes. The focus is particularly on the plastics, textiles, electronics and ICT, construction and vehicle product groups. The declared aim is to significantly increase the recycling rate.
The European Parliament’s “News” information page states that the current crisis has also highlighted shortcomings in our resource and value chains, which have particularly affected small and medium-sized enterprises and industry.
The European Union has now adopted further rules on the circular economy. The European Parliament still has to approve the proposals. The Chair of the Internal Market Committee, Green politician Anna Cavazzini, spoke of a “milestone”. “The proposal for a sustainable product policy is a breakthrough on the path to a circular economy and thus to a climate-neutral continent,” she said. The industry, on the other hand, warns against overregulation and additional costs. Climate neutrality must be defined scientifically and brought into line with realistic possibilities. A strategy of balance and appropriateness needs to be found — between ecology and economy.
According to the EU’s stated objectives, a circular economy will “reduce CO₂ emissions, boost economic growth and create new jobs”. This strategy must therefore be implemented wisely and with foresight and constantly adapted to the latest scientific findings of international scientists on the subject of climate development so that it meets the requirements not only of the current state of knowledge but also of all economic subjects and secures our prosperity and thus also our health in the long term.
Further information (link):
> Think sustainably — act sustainably
*Source: europarl.europa.eu
