Key 2 Circularity

For the past decade, European and regional policies have been stimulating SMEs to become circular. However scientific evidence from the Circularity Gap Report 2024 shows that only 7.2% of all materials used are cycled back into the global economy. Furthermore, the latest Global Outlook Report outlines that our resource use keeps rising and represents now over 60% of the global environmental impacts.   

The Meuse-Rhine region is heavily reliant on imported primary raw materials, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions. The region must prioritize resource efficiency and circular economy development to strengthen economic resilience, reduce dependency on raw material imports, and meet climate commitments. Further investment in strategies that increase resource efficiency and extend product life (repair, re-use, remanufacture, and high-quality recycling) and innovative circular business models is needed. Without urgent action, the region risks economic stagnation, increased material costs, and environmental degradation. (See Annex I Recommendations for more details). 

From research and previous project experiences (Waste2Profit, Wanderful.stream) the consortium has identified the main drivers and challenges for SMEs to implement and accelerate circular solutions: training, peer support and financial leverages. This prompted the partners to scheme a multidisciplinary and multilevel program tailored to the needs of the SMEs from our four regions, who share many similarities in their circular policies and ventures.   

Furthermore, cross-border collaboration within the regional value chain is even more significant to implementing systemic long-lasting changes and creating more resilient and regional value chains. SMEs will be able to rely on the Meuse-Rhine regional network of experts and partners, tools and methods, best practices as well as market access and validation to support their circular ambitions.