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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

Blick auf den Hafen
Press Sustainability | 29.06.26

Hamburg Sustainability Conference

The focus of the conference is on the crucial importance of environmental protection and climate action for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals and to send a clear message against deep-sea mining.

Ein Haufen mit Textilien und einem T-Shirt mit der Aufschrift "I have nothing to wear"
Press Sustainability | 25.06.26

Germany calls for stricter regulation of ultra-fast fashion

Germany, France and the Netherlands are advocating coordinated European action against ultra-fast fashion. The three Member States raised the topic at the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg.

Königswinter am Rhein mit Bonn im Hintergrund
Press Climate | 18.06.26

COP31 Presidencies send important message for new climate targets

With the conclusion of the UN interim climate negotiations (SB64) in Bonn, preparations for the COP31 World Climate Conference are entering a decisive phase.

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.

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