New SusTec publication: Analyzing policy mixes for the circular plastics economy
Our new study, published in “Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions,” examines how the EU policy landscape contributes to increased plastics recycling and use of recycled content in the electronics sector. We highlight three key barriers that hinder the mix from substantially driving the circular plastics transition.
Transitioning to circular plastics requires carefully designed policies that balance multiple goals. Policymakers must increase recycling while addressing chemical safety concerns, bridge gaps between different regulatory domains, and support the transformation of linear value chains.
Our recent study by David Pfeffer, Denise Reike, and Catharina Bening examines how these challenges play out in the electronics sector, where recycled plastic use remains minimal despite ambitious circular economy targets.
The researchers applied the policy mix framework to the circular economy transition to understand the interplay of different policy instruments and strategies. Their methodology combined qualitative content analysis of key EU legislations with interviews conducted with experts across the plastics and electronics value chains.
The researchers found three key barriers that hinder the circular economy transition: conflicts between recycling targets and chemical regulations, insufficient economic incentives for recycled content use, and poor coordination of instruments among product users, producers, and recyclers.
For more details, read the complete study in Environmental Innovation and Societal Transitions Download here.