DIGITALEUROPE Policy Paper on the circular economy package

DIGITALEUROPE, the European association representing the digital industry, supports the Commission’s initiative to address the challenges of moving to a Circular Economy. This paper sets out our reaction to the proposals

In responding to the public consultation, DIGITALEUROPE raised the importance of coherence among the policy initiatives, based on some high-level principles including the need for life-cycle thinking; the balancing of different policy objectives; fair competition; and the desire for global harmonisation.

We believe that these principles should continue to steer the forthcoming discussions on specific measures for different sectors. Each sector is unique and faces its own challenges. We represent a truly global and innovative industry with highly complex supply chains. Regulatory interventions work most effectively when designed with this in mind.

The issues raised in the Communication are familiar to our sector through the existing stock of legislation on eco-design (ErP, eco-labeling), hazardous substances (RoHS/REACH) and end-of-life treatment (WEEE). Therefore, we agree that no new legislation should be introduced, but rather we should review what is already in place and consider carefully what improvements are needed to further drive resource efficiency.