the EU circular economy is a model of sustainability

The EU Circular Economy: the Best Model for Sustainable Global Trade

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The European Union (EU) is leading the change towards a more sustainable world.  EU circular economy is extremely beneficial, not just for the environment and resource management, but also for global trade. This innovative approach, which focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, fosters a more sustainable and resilient trading system with far-reaching positive impacts.

The specialists at Logistic Packaging have identified a number of benefits which derive from the European approach to trade and resource management:

1. Reduced Demand for Raw Materials

By prioritizing repair, reuse, and recycling, the EU reduces its dependence on virgin resources. This translates to a more stable demand for raw materials on the global market, potentially benefiting resource-exporting countries through fairer and more sustainable trade practices.

2. Creating a Market for Recycled Raw Materials

The EU circular economy creates a market for high-quality recycled materials. This incentivizes innovation in recycling technologies, creating new export opportunities for EU countries with advanced recycling capabilities.

3. Competitive Advantage for Sustainable Products

European policies encourage producers to design longer-lasting, easier-to-repair products. This creates a competitive advantage for EU-made goods in a market increasingly focused on sustainability.

4. Diversification of Trading Partners

As the EU prioritizes extending product lifespans, demand for skilled labor in remanufacturing and repair sectors increases. This opens doors for new trade partnerships with countries with a strong workforce in these areas.

5. Global Waste Reduction

By minimizing waste generation, the EU lessens the pressure on global waste management systems. This can benefit countries struggling with waste disposal by reducing the overall amount of waste requiring international transportation and treatment.

In this context, reusable plastic packaging plays a key role, as they can help reduce plastic and cardboard waste generated by single-use packages. One returnable EURO container replaces hundreds of wooden or cardboard boxes.

The Next Step: Harmonizing US and EU Transport Standards for to Increase Trade

At the present, the world is teetering on the brink of a rupture. Democratic and autocratic values are being pitched one against the other. This has led many countries to reexamine who they are doing business with and whether they can continue doing so in good conscience.

In the light of these facts, we believe that it is essential to create a unified system of standards for trade between the European Union and the USA. These are the two biggest economies on the planet and they share the same common values of freedom of trade and democracy.

 One key element in achieving this is harmonizing transport and packaging standards – a strategy that can boost trade, enhance safety, and promote innovation. Also, by finding a common ground for recycling, responsible use of natural resources, this harmonization of regulations can also benefit the world as a whole.

Potential Areas for Harmonization

Looking at the concepts of EU circular economy and how they influence international trade accords, here are a few areas where the US and EU should align their regulations:

  • Packaging Standards:

Aligning returnable packaging size, weight limitations, and handling requirements would simplify cross-border transport.

  • Safety Certification:

Mutual recognition of safety certifications for products would eliminate duplicative testing procedures.

  • Infrastructure Compatibility

 Standardizing technical specifications for infrastructure like ports, terminals, and freight rail systems can improve interoperability and efficiency.

The Logistic Packaging team is a firm promoter of sustainability, which is at the core of the EU circular economy. We are constantly looking for ways to make our products more reliable and reduce our carbon footprint. We encourage you to contact us if you need to discuss your packaging projects with our experts!