THE IMPACT OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The Resolution of the Council of Ministers (“RCM”) no. 190-A / 2017, of November 23, published in the Diário da República, 1st series, no. 236, on December 11, approves the Plan of Action for the Circular Economy (“PAEC”).
"Circular economy (...) is a strategic concept based on the prevention, reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of materials and energy. (...) [and] a key element in promoting the dissociation between economic growth and increased consumption of resources ... "(“RCM”).

The circular economy is underpinned by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change as an integral part of climate policy, as more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions are related to the quantity of raw materials used. (Plano de Ação para a Economia Circular (Resolução do Conselho de Ministros n.º 190-A/2017).
An (re)organized economic model from the perspective of the circular economy impacts (in)directly the decarbonization of the economy, through: (i) the reduction of fossil-based energy consumption in the value chain of products, prompted by the reduction in the carbon intensity of raw materials and imbedded secondary substances, the disintegration of associated services and / or the extension in use of the lifecycle of those products; (ii) the promotion of low-carbon substitutes (near-perfect) products or services; (iii) the increase in energy production from renewable sources; and / or (iv) more intelligent and efficient waste management [greater reuse and recycling].

The RNC2050 consolidates the impact of public policy initiatives which upholds the transition to a circular economy. Including those envisaged in the “PAEC” and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan [COM /2015/0614 final].