Dozens of operators are preparing their commitment to the Circular Economy Green Deal – “The circular economy is a way for us to secure competitiveness”

Today (September 12, 2024) a happy and enthusiastic group of circular economy enthusiasts gathered in the Bank Hall of the Ministry of the Environment. Three years in the making Circular economy green deal is now published.

The circular economy green deal is a joint, voluntary strategic commitment between companies, municipalities, regions, organizations and the state.

The first companies, cities and organizations also published their own commitments and concrete goals to accelerate the circular economy.

For example, Borealis Polymers commits to using at least 2035 tons of Finnish plastic waste as raw material for recycled plastic by 30 and replacing plastic made from virgin raw materials with it.

The company's second goal is to improve energy efficiency by 360 gigawatt-hours by 2035 from 2022 levels.

A long view of the future

“When we transform our operations to be based on a circular economy, we reduce our environmental and climate impact, but we also secure our competitiveness in the future.”

This is what the SPIRIT program manager at Borealis Polymers said Jaakko Tuomainen justified why Borealis is among the first companies to commit to the national Circular Economy Green Deal announced today.

Tuomainen emphasizes that the transition from the long-dominant linear economy to a circular economy requires major changes and investments, and therefore there must be a long-term view of the future.

"The Green Deal brings this far-reaching vision that is needed when we consider new investments. What is also inspiring and motivating about the circular economy is how it crosses traditional industry boundaries," says Tuomainen.

In addition to Borealis, the first to publish their own commitments were A-Insinöörit, the City of Porvoo, Skanska, Fyra Design Office, Vantaan Energia and Ylva. Dozens of commitments are also in preparation.

Bigger growth spurts

Minister of the Environment and Climate Kai Mykkänen gave a speech at the launch of the Circular Economy Green Deal, in which he emphasized the importance of the circular economy not only in climate work and curbing nature loss, but also as a growth factor for companies.

"The business of circular economy companies is growing, but the growth has been too moderate. We should not be satisfied with this, but act in such a way that both the number of jobs and added value in the circular economy begin to grow at an accelerated rate," Mykkänen appeals.

He was pleased that the first commitments have now been made public and hopes that the examples will inspire others to join the Circular Economy Green Deal to step up their circular economy actions.

“Ambitious circular economy measures help develop new innovations, increase the added value of natural resources and save costs,” says Mykkänen.

He promises that the government will support circular economy measures by, among other things, streamlining permitting and reforming waste legislation into a circular economy act.

A joint effort

The Green Deal launch event was so popular that a line snaked down Aleksanterinkatu. Including those who participated remotely, the event was witnessed by almost six hundred participants.

"There are as many people here as a small municipality! We need a lot of strength. Hopefully this opportunity will lead to the pioneers getting many more committed people involved," said the Environmental Advisor at the Ministry of the Environment. Jarmo Muurman stated.

The preparation of the Green Deal has been a joint effort, involving approximately 250 experts over the course of three years.

"The circular economy green deal has emerged as a result of hundreds of people's ideas and researchers' scenario work. You were all involved in defining these five key areas of change that will guide national guidelines," said the Environmental Advisor at the Ministry of the Environment. Taina Nikula thank you

The circular economy green deal focuses on five change areas, each with two to four action areas with their own actions and goals.

Finland's export model

The selected actions are based on extensive scientific research and material flow scenario workThe scenario work predicts that the circular economy would strengthen Finland's economic growth, reduce emissions and reduce the consumption of raw materials.

Companies, cities, municipalities, regional councils and other organizations can make their own commitments to the program by choosing the most impactful and relevant goals and practices for themselves.

"Many of those preparing the commitments have seen Green Deal-type cooperation as a very positive way to anticipate and promote the circular economy transition, which requires cooperation and investments," says the Industry Councillor. Jyrki Elkio from the Ministry of Labor and the Economy.

He believes that Finland can set an example to the world of a model of broad cooperation based on volunteerism.

To curb overspending

Those making the commitment will join the collaboration network and will also receive support from political decision-makers, expert assistance from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Employment and the Economy, and the circular economy "home bases" formed by Circular Economy Finland and the Green Building Council.

The commitment is a way to promote resource efficiency and a shift towards a sustainable economy in Finland by 2035. A sustainable economy helps to curb the climate crisis, nature loss and overconsumption of natural resources.

The aim is to implement the objectives of the circular economy strategic program in cooperation and through concrete means: to double the circular economy rate of resources and materials by 2035 and to reduce the consumption of non-renewable natural resources.

Text: Elina Saarinen/ Uusiouutiset-magazine

Photo: Elina Saarinen. The circular economy green deal has been a major joint effort, guided by experts from the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Employment and the Economy.

Correction 13.9.24: Corrected number of participants.