Next to the Rheinauen where the climate negotiations of COP23 in Bonn took place, acatech, together with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and SYSTEMIQ, launched the initiative "Deutschland entkoppelt". The aim of the meeting was to set out a vision on how to accelerate the development of a circular economy in Germany. Key German industry players were present to discuss strategies on how this could be achieved.
A circular economy is restorative and regenerative by design as opposed to the linear "take, make, dispose" logic of today's economy. Circular economy aims to keep products, components, and materials at their highest utility and value at all times.
The concept distinguishes between technical and biological cycles. It preserves and enhances natural capital, optimises resource yields, and minimises system risks by managing finite stocks and renewable flows. A circular economy works effectively at every scale.
The circular economy concept has been picked up by many initiatives in the EU and China, promoting technical innovations and new business models.
If Germany sets the right conditions in place fast, the circular economy and "Industrie 4.0" will spur sustainable, continuous economic growth and ensures its industry leadership.
Acatech, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and SYSTEMIQ want to build the initiative "Deutschland entkopppelt" around this agenda with players from business, academia and politics.
For more information about the initiative and how to get involved, please reach out to Ronja Wolf.