Circular economy - An ambitious vision for Belgium

The circular economic model is one of the keys to a prosperous and resilient economy with long-term prospects. It is also an essential part of the economic recovery plan following the Covid-19 crisis. Belgian employer federations have long been active in the circular economy, long before the term became established. Together with its member federations, the Federation of Belgian Enterprises (FEB) worked out its "Vision Circular Economy 2030," to give concrete direction to their shared sustainable ambitions. The document is a roadmap for the next decade. With circularity, the business world is embracing sustainability as a cross-cutting driver of growth and wealth creation.

The vision is ambitious: by 2030 and within a European framework, consolidate and achieve the position of Belgian industry as a leader in the circular economy. Our country is already considered a pioneer, but we must not rest on our laurels. As the country's largest employers' organization, our mission is to continue to support and guide entrepreneurial Belgium towards a sustainable economy. And to strive for a policy framework that enables and encourages that transition. This vision falls within the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to maximize value creation through increased competitiveness, easier access to materials, availability of alternative fuels and job creation. The feasibility of the vision is closely linked to the commitment to two catalysts: innovation and open economy. The FEB and its member federations formulated five ambitions according to which they want to realize their vision by 2030 within a European framework.

• Maximize the availability of materials
• Being a leader in circular design and manufacturing
• Being a leader in circular utility models
• Being a leader in high-value material recovery
• Be strong in the use of enablers for the circular economy (i.e. all measures that can support, enable or accelerate the transition to a circular economy)

The evolution of our economy towards a circular model is a shared responsibility of all actors (companies, policies, consumers). Thus, it is up to the Belgian authorities to maximize their commitment to a European supportive policy framework. It will be crucial to consolidate the level playing field in the unified European market. In order to realize the stated ambitions, the various Belgian levels of competence must cooperate better and enter into dialogue with the private sector. Moreover, there is a need for a stronger strategic security of supply of materials and energy, UPV (extended producer responsibility) systems must transcend mere recycling, and sustainable and circular public procurement must gain in importance. For its part, the FEB, together with its member sector federations, will develop a dashboard based on Eurostat's ten indicators and follow it up biannually. A first analysis and progress report is foreseen in 2022.