Circular economy in Germany and the EU: Positions and perspectives (Kreislaufwirtschaft in Deutschland und der EU: Positionen und Perspektiven)

Cornelia Daheim, Clara Jöster-Morisse, Eckhard Störmer, Eva Trier, Birgit Wintermann und Ole Wintermann (2024) Kreislaufwirtschaft in Deutschland und der EU: Positionen und Perspektiven, Gütersloh: Bertelsmann-Stiftung)

The publication explores the circular economy in Germany and the EU, focusing on diverse perspectives and strategies for sustainable resource management. It emphasizes the importance of moving beyond recycling efforts to adopt comprehensive circular practices, including digitalization and ethical considerations. The document provides insights into future challenges, enabling factors, and actionable recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders to advance circular economy initiatives.

https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/fileadmin/files/user_upload/Kreislauf_05lay.pdf

Myths of the Circular Economy (Mythen der Circular Economy)

Alexa Böckel, Jan Quaing, Ilka Weissbrod und Julia Böhm, 2022, Creative Commons Lizenz

The publication “Mythen der Circular Economy” by Bertelsmann Stiftung addresses common misconceptions about the circular economy and provides clarity on its principles. It includes practical examples from industries such as construction, fashion, and digital technologies to illustrate how circular practices can be effectively implemented. The document aims to inspire decision-makers across sectors to adopt sustainable approaches that prioritize resource conservation and environmental responsibility

https://www.bertelsmann-stiftung.de/fileadmin/files/BSt/Publikationen/GrauePublikationen/Mythen_der_Circular_Economy.pdf

National strategy for Social Innovation and enterprises for the common good enterprises – Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection  (Nationale Strategie für Soziale Innovationen und Gemeinwohlorientierte Unternehmen – Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (2023)

The publication outlines Germany’s National Strategy for Social Innovations and Public Welfare-Oriented Enterprises, developed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). It focuses on fostering social innovation and supporting enterprises that prioritize public welfare through improved frameworks, funding opportunities, and collaborative networks. The strategy aims to strengthen sustainable entrepreneurship and create a more inclusive and socially responsible economy.

https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Publikationen/Wirtschaft/nationale-strategie-soziale-innovationen-gemeinwohlorientierte-unternehmen.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=24

9 PRINCIPLES FOR A CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The publication outlines nine principles for implementing a circular economy, developed by the German Environment Agency. It provides a strategic framework for transitioning from a linear to a circular economy, emphasizing resource efficiency, waste prevention, and sustainable product design. The document serves as a guide for policymakers, businesses, and society to adopt practices that align with environmental and economic sustainability goals.

https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/sites/default/files/medien/1410/publikationen/2020_10_23_leitlinie_kreislaufwirtschaft_englisch_bf.pdf