Circular Economy and Territorial Consequences -the case of the cross-border Scandinavian area

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    A new report of our Circular Economy and Territorial Consequences (CIRCTER) project was published today. It is a spin-off analysis done for a cross border study area, defined by Eastern Norway and West Sweden regions. By this approach, the results would cast light upon the potential for implementing a circular economy in European border regions, through cross border cooperation.

    Erik Hagen, ESPON Contact Point for Norway, notes in his introductory message: “The ‘take-make-dispose’ model that characterizes the linear economy has driven the economic system well beyond the coping capacity of our planet. In order to reduce the impact of economic activities on global ecosystems, a circular economy needs to be adopted. A circular economy significantly reduces material throughputs and increases material efficiency over the long run. In doing so, a circular economy offers new possibilities for businesses and communities to create economic and social value. […] The key role of circular economy in the EU Green deal, the opportunity given to Scandinavian partners by the ESPON EGTC on producing a Spin-off analysis from the CIRCTER project, was one that could not possibly be rejected”.

    In this spirit the selected area aims to provide results relevant also for a wider European audience. “Given that the regions in question are also partners in an Interreg cooperation programme, the findings and policy recommendations from this project feed directly into the operational phase of the Interreg Sweden-Norway 2021-2027 programme”, notes Erik.

    CIRCTER project produced regional estimates (at NUTS-2 level) for the main material consumption and waste generation and treatment indicators available from Eurostat. In addition, the CIRCTER project developed a sectoral perspective of the circular economy. This differentiates between the demand-side and supply-side of circular product and/or services.

    Household waste by region, material and treatment (thousands tons, 2019)

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