Transformative innovation for prosperous and low-carbon industry

How can a more circular economy contribute to cutting CO2 emissions?

This report explores a broad range of opportunities for the four largest materials in terms of emissions (steel, plastics, aluminium, and cement) and two large use segments for these materials (passenger cars and buildings).

It finds that a more circular economy could make deep cuts to emissions from EU heavy industry by 2050, as much as 296 million tons of 530 million tons of CO2 per year. Making better use of the materials that already exist in the economy can take EU industry more than halfway towards net-zero emissions, and doing so often makes financial sense.

Download the full report ‘The Circular Economy – a Powerful Force for Climate Mitigation’ here

This project has been carried out by Material Economics with the support of Climate KIC, ClimateWorks, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Energy Transitions Commission, European Climate Foundation, MAVA Foundation, and SITRA.