Potentials and Prerequisites on the Way to a Circular Economy: A Value Chain Perspective on Batteries and Buildings

Meta Thurid Lotz,Matthias Rehfeldt,Andrea Herbst,Antoine Durand,Matthias Pfaff,Robin Barkhausen

doi:10.3390/su14020956

Meta Thurid Lotz, Matthias Rehfeldt + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/su14020956

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Abstract

It is becoming increasingly clear that linear modes of production and consumption are unsustainable. A circular economy would help to minimize both environmental and social problems. As a result, the concept is gaining momentum in the political discourse. However, current policies do not seem sufficient to transform linear value chains to circular ones. This paper compares the potentials of and prerequisites for a circular economy along two important value chains. As a best practice example, the legal framework along the battery value chain is analyzed. This analysis is used to derive recommendations for how to improve the legal framework along the building value chain. We find that the battery value chain is already addressed by targeted instruments and the instruments addressing the building value chain have to be aligned and their credibility improved through mandatory requirements. A value chain-specific approach to develop the legal framework is promising for key sectors, while both general frameworks and value chain-specific instruments are required to fully exploit the CE for every product.

Highlights

Academic Editors: Henning Friege, It is becoming increasingly clear that linear modes of production and consumption are unsustainable
In December 2019, the European Commission published its communication on the European Green Deal highlighting the aim of mobilizing industry for a clean and circular economy, in which growth is decoupled from resource use [1]
We identified the legal framework focusing on circular economy (CE), starting from the new Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) as well as the Commission Staff Working Document, Sustainable Products in a Circular Economy—Towards and European Union (EU) Product Policy Framework contributing to the Circular Economy, which is related to the initial CEAP [3,59,60]

Summary

Introduction

Academic Editors: Henning Friege, It is becoming increasingly clear that linear modes of production and consumption are unsustainable. In December 2019, the European Commission published its communication on the European Green Deal highlighting the aim of mobilizing industry for a clean and circular economy, in which growth is decoupled from resource use [1]. Such a move could help to minimize both environmental and social problems. It is acknowledged that the CE can reduce import dependencies and supply chain risks. The CE is an important pillar in reducing the demand for (energy-intensive) raw materials and the related carbon emissions in the context of the climate goals set out by the 2015 Paris

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