CLAIMS | PRODUCT POLICY | CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Rethink value creation Claims for a circular industrial location for the 21st legislative period
February 11, 2025 1. Initial situation The coalition agreement for the 20th legislative period contained numerous regulatory plans for the framework conditions for circular value creation, which were not implemented or not completed. For example, preliminary work was carried out on an ordinance to determine the end of waste status for mineral substitute building materials and an amendment to Section 21 of the Packaging Act. In addition, the amendment to the Commercial Waste Ordinance was introduced into the parliamentary process and a National Circular Economy Strategy (NKWS) was adopted, the implementation of which will require the establishment of a stakeholder platform and the use of additional budget funds to promote circular value creation. However, for the Circular Economy to become a real success factor for Germany as a business location, the following fundamental conditions must be considered politically: ▪
The framework conditions for Germany as an industrial location, including competitive energy costs, swift approval procedures, digital infrastructure and the training of skilled workers, must be designed in such a way that companies can produce, invest and innovate in Germany even in the face of global competition.
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Companies must be put in a position where circular strategies can also be implemented as business models in a free European internal market. Depending on the sector, this also requires the establishment of green lead markets. Issues relating to procurement and funding law as well as financing must be clarified beyond doubt.
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The desired product and material cycles must be supported by a coherent legal framework that, on the one hand, provides consistent definitions and specifications and, on the other hand, defines the interfaces between product, waste and substances law in such a way that cycles are enabled and not prevented. Cross-departmental governance with central coordination in the federal government must also be designed accordingly.
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The European model of a holistic Circular Economy must be anchored in international trade and climate protection policy as well as standardization work to strengthen the competitiveness of companies.
Dr. Claas Oehlmann | BDI Circular Economy Initiative | T: +49 30 2028-2606 | C.Oehlmann@ice.bdi.eu | www.bdi.eu