The EIB in the circular economy
In a circular economy, the value of products and materials is maintained for as long as possible. Waste and resource use are minimised and when a product reaches the end of its life, it is used again to create further value.
Download the EIB Circular Economy Overview 2023Awareness raising
We develop and share knowledge on the circular economy transition. We raise awareness by:
- improving the framework conditions for financing (e.g. through involvement in multi-stakeholder circular economy fora),
- facilitating knowledge sharing and capacity building (e.g. in conferences),
- preparing studies to identify market barriers and funding gaps,
- preparing circular economy guidance material and documents.
Advisory support
We help circular businesses mitigate risks and improve the investment readiness of their projects. Here’s how:
- support in circular economy project pipeline development,
- review circular projects, identification of gaps/weaknesses, advise on improvements,
- advise on financing options within and outside the EIB Group,
- facilitate contacts to relevant market actors.
The above services are provided via InnovFin advisory and European Investment Advisory Hub.
Finance
Through "risk sharing", we provide finance to circular economy projects/promoters with a typically higher risk profile.
We apply our financing expertise by:
- leveraging horizontal (market) studies to further define funding gaps,
- recommending internal EIB-managed instruments and/or Investment Platforms (IP), where necessary,
- structuring/implementing Investment Platforms that mobilise public/private investors.
Find more information on our financing products.
Circular design and production
Strategies: reduce, recycle
Smart design and production that reduce waste and recycle materials at the beginning of a product's lifecycle are essential to ensure circularity.
Circular use and life extension
Strategies: reuse, repair, repurpose, refurbish, remanufacture
Business models that increase the value and use of a product during an extended life are essential to shift to a circular economy. Over time, extending product life through proper care and repair reduces the need for people to buy more.
Circular value recovery
Strategies: recycle, recover
Value recovery models aim to maximise recovery and recycling of a product after its end-of-life stage. The value recovery models reduce waste and conserve resources.
Circular support
Strategies: reduce, recycle, reuse, repair, repurpose, refurbish, remanufacture, recover
Support and facilitation of all circular strategies in all lifecycle phases.
Further reading
Highlighted stories
Discover how our work paves the way to a circular transition