Global Recycling Market Trends

EU Green Deal and Global Movement

In December 2019, the EU agreed on the 'European Green Deal,' a comprehensive plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in accordance with the Paris Agreement. This proactive move by the EU demonstrates not only environmental consciousness in response to climate change but also reveals a strategic aim to secure international competitiveness by establishing new economic standards and leveraging carbon-neutral economy as a new growth engine.

The EU Green Deal presents a comprehensive roadmap for transforming all sectors of society - including greenhouse gas, energy, industry, buildings, transportation, food, and ecosystems - to achieve the 2050 carbon neutrality goal. Of particular note is the new industrial policy based on the circular economy. To implement the circular economy, the EU has introduced a sustainable products policy, focusing on resource-intensive sectors such as textiles, construction, electronics, and plastics. This policy aims to reduce material use and strengthen reuse before the recycling stage, while also planning to restrict environmentally harmful products from entering the European market.

Global Policy Trends

This movement is spreading globally:

• China has declared its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060

• Japan has presented its carbon neutrality target for 2050

• The United States, under President Biden's administration, has rejoined the Paris Agreement and pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050

The transition to a circular economy has thus become both a global imperative and a new economic paradigm.

Key Policy Directions

Sustainable Development Goals

Governments are establishing various sustainable development targets to promote recycling-based circular economy:

• Setting specific recycling rate targets

• Developing comprehensive waste management strategies

• Implementing circular economy indicators

Strengthening Legal Regulations

Legal frameworks are being enhanced with:

• Mandatory recycling requirements

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems

• Increased corporate resource management standards

• Higher recycling quotas for businesses

Support Policies

Government support is expanding in various areas:

• Research and development funding for recycling technologies

• Infrastructure development assistance

• Financial incentives for recycling businesses

• Technology commercialization support

Impact on Business Environment

These policy developments create both opportunities and challenges:

• Increased demand for recycling solutions

• New market opportunities in circular economy

• Need for technological innovation

• Adaptation requirements for existing businesses

The global policy landscape clearly indicates that circular economy is becoming a central focus of environmental and economic policy, creating a favorable environment for innovative solutions like RecycleX.