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Circular Economy

Circular Economy

The concept of circular economy means using materials sparingly, preserving the value of raw materials and products for a long time and keeping them in circulation. It includes all phases of value creation – from product design and production to consumption, repair and waste management.

The waste hierarchy is essential to a modern circular economy. It prioritises waste prevention, followed by reuse, recycling, recovery and lastly disposal. Material cycles should be closed as far as possible and contaminants removed. This allows waste to be reintroduced to the economy as secondary raw materials and natural resources to be conserved.

Latest on Circular Economy

Mülldeponie
Report Circular Economy | 28.04.26

Latest information on the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS)

Shipments of waste that, in accordance with Article 4 (4) and (5), are subject to the general information requirements pursuant to Article 18 (EU) 2024/1157.

Gruppenbild mit brasilianischen Ministern und Reem Alabali-Radovan
Press International | 20.04.26

Germany and Brazil deepen successful cooperation on climate action

Brazil and Germany signed further cooperation agreements on circular economy and fighting environmental crime in order to expand their existing climate dialogue.

Bundesumweltminister Carsten Schneider, die französische Umweltministerin Monique Barbut sowie die polnische Klimaministerin Paulina Hennig-Kloska auf dem Podium
Report Europe | 09.03.26

Green Weimar Triangle relaunched

Auf Initiative von Bundesumweltminister Schneider wurde das Weimarer-Umweltdreieck wieder belebt. Dazu traf er im polnischen Gniezno die französische Umweltministerin Barbut sowie die polnische Klimaministerin Hennig-Kloska.

Carsten Schneider und Gavin Newsom beim Händedruck
Press International | 13.02.26

MSC: Carsten Schneider and Gavin Newsom strengthen climate cooperation

The collaboration focuses on clean energy and the circular economy. It aims to reduce climate risks, drive innovation, and make the economy and society more resilient to crises.

Luftaufnahme von Kapstadt
Press International | 16.10.25

Schneider attends G20 environment ministers' meeting in South Africa

Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider will participate in the G20 climate and environment ministerial meeting in Cape Town. Priority topics are climate action, biodiversity conservation and marine protection.

Illustration Energiewende
Report Nanotechnology | 05.09.25

New UBA report: Advanced materials for the energy transition

On behalf of the German Environment Agency, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing investigated which advanced materials are already supporting the energy transition today and which could be used in future.

Press Circular Economy | 17.06.25

EU Member States vote for more vehicle recycling and easier repairs

Strengthening the European automotive industry sustainably with a circular economy: This is the aim of the new EU End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation.

Infografik NKWS
Press Circular Economy | 04.12.24

Federal Cabinet adopts National Circular Economy Strategy

Federal Cabinet adopted the National Circular Economy Strategy (NCES). With it, the German government has created a long-term framework – for the environment, society and industry – for the transition to a circular economy.

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