Circular Wallonia
On 4 February 2021, the Walloon Government launched Circular Wallonia, the first regional strategy dedicated to the circular economy. By proposing concrete solutions to environmental and economic challenges, Circular Wallonia aims to coordinate and strengthen the regional dynamic, with ten ambitions and 60 specific measures to facilitate the circular transition of Wallonia's economic players.
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy aims to prevent waste and reduce resource extraction. It proposes solutions to major environmental and economic challenges such as the scarcity of natural resources, biodiversity loss, climate change and deforestation. By transforming our economic model to make it more viable and sustainable, the circular economy enables us to re-shape our consumer society, which is now approaching its limits. It also offers a series of economic benefits to our societies.
What are the objectives of Circular Wallonia?
Developed in consultation with companies, sector-based federations, clusters, research centres, associations and public authorities, among others, Circular Wallonia aims to produce goods and services sustainably and foster industrial renewal. The strategy has several objectives:
- sustainably relaunch the economy,
- reduce the environmental impact of economic activities,
- create local jobs that cannot be relocated,
- reduce dependence on raw materials and energy,
- and increase the attractiveness of Wallonia.
To achieve this, the Walloon strategy is based on key principles such as eco-design, industrial symbiosis, the economy of functionality, reuse, reconditioning and recycling. Circular Wallonia aims to coordinate, reinforce and increase the regional dynamic in circular economy. The strategy comprises ten goals translated into 60 specific measures aimed at facilitating the circular transition of Wallonia's economic players. It is based on participative and flexible governance to ensure the effective implementation of actions.
Among the defined measures, certain action priorities directly concern Walloon companies:
- facilitate the transition of companies by improving their visibility and reinforcing the existing systems and tools in Wallonia in terms of support, financing and innovation aid to encourage the deployment of the circular economy.
- support circular economy projects in companies of all sizes, notably through calls for projects and greater access to regional tools.
- stimulate the demand for circular products and goods through public procurement;
- strengthen the European and international visibility of circular Walloon products and services;
- promote innovative projects and maximise European cooperation partnerships
Particular attention is paid to six promising sectors for the circular economy in Wallonia, selected based on their high potential for economic and societal impact:
- construction and buildings,
- plastics,
- metallurgy,
- water,
- textiles,
- and the food industry and food systems.
Discover the Circular Wallonia strategy on video
In conclusion, Circular Wallonia is pulling out all the stops to help revive the economy and make it more sustainable. This dynamic will allow Wallonia to improve its resilience by fully integrating the change of course imposed in particular by climate change and by ensuring greater independence in terms of resources and in relation to global supply chains.