Report
What are the circular economy disclosure requirements in Europe?
Circul'R breaks down the non-financial reporting requirements on the circular economy in 3 European regulations and what they mean for businesses.
Background: the limits of the linear model
Since the industrial revolution, the global economy has developed along a linear model: we extract raw materials, we turn them into products, we consume those products and finally we throw them away. Yet our planet holds only a finite quantity of resources, and the capacity of natural ecosystems to absorb the pollution and waste generated by human activity is equally limited. This system has contributed heavily to the fact that 6 of the 9 planetary boundaries have already been crossed. A distinctly alarming situation, given that these boundaries represent the thresholds humanity should not exceed if it is to live sustainably within a safe ecosystem.
The financial sector and the circular transition
Faced with this reality, the financial sector, which still invests mainly in linear activities, finds itself in a position of deep self-questioning. It is easy to see that "business as usual" cannot continue to guide investment decisions, as the prospects for long-term economic returns are seriously compromised. Against this backdrop, ESG (environmental, social and governance) analysis and so-called sustainable finance are gradually taking their place in a financial market that is still struggling to transform.
Companies and non-financial issues
For companies, growing pressure on energy prices and access to resources is driving a shift of their activities and business models towards greater circularity. This follows a realisation: to secure their ability to endure over time, organisations cannot forgo the financial, social and environmental benefits the circular economy makes possible.
Towards a new European framework for non-financial reporting
In order to redirect capital flows towards activities that contribute to the ecological and energy transition, and to encourage companies to raise non-financial issues to a new strategic level, the European Commission and its various bodies have spent several years developing a new regulatory and normative framework. It introduces the circular economy as one of the reporting topics that economic actors must now include in their annual non-financial report.
The report's aims
Continuing its commitment to supporting companies through their transition to a circular economy, Circul'R wanted to take stock of the place given to this topic in the forthcoming non-financial reporting of economic actors. The report therefore aims to clarify the regulatory context and highlight the circular economy provisions within the 3 flagship European regulations on non-financial reporting for companies and financial institutions, namely:
- the Taxonomy
- the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)
- the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
as well as to analyse their consequences for organisations' activities.
FAQ
What you need to know about us.
Qu'est-ce que Circul'R ?
Circul'R est un cabinet de conseil spécialisé en économie circulaire. Depuis 2016, il accompagne plus de 150 grandes entreprises et acteurs publics à travers des missions de conseil, des coalitions sectorielles, des programmes de formation et le Club Circul'R.
What sets Circul'R apart from a generalist consulting firm?
Circul'R has focused exclusively on the circular economy since its inception. This specialization allows us to develop an expertise in resource dynamics and sector-specific transformations that a generalist firm cannot match.
What types of organizations do you work with?
Contrairement à un cabinet RSE généraliste, Circul'R est spécialisé exclusivement en économie circulaire depuis 2016. Cette expertise transverse - filières, réglementations (AGEC, REP, ESPR), business models - lui permet de transformer la circularité en avantage compétitif mesurable : réduction d'impact, sécurisation des ressources, conformité et nouveaux relais de croissance.
What is the process for a consulting project with Circul'R?
Circul'R conseille les grandes entreprises privées - dont de nombreux groupes du CAC 40 et du SBF 120 - sur leurs décisions stratégiques, tous secteurs confondus. Le cabinet accompagne également les acteurs qui déploient les politiques publiques d'économie circulaire : éco-organismes, agences, bailleurs de fonds et collectivités.
Do you operate only in France or internationally as well?
Circul'R propose quatre offres complémentaires : des missions de conseil sur mesure pour structurer votre stratégie circulaire, des coalitions sectorielles pour résoudre des problématiques communes entre entreprises, des formations pour monter en compétence sur l'économie circulaire, et le Club Circul'R, le réseau des entreprises engagées dans la transition circulaire.
How does the circular economy fit into an existing corporate strategy?
Circul'R accompagne ses clients sur l'ensemble du cadre réglementaire français et européen de l'économie circulaire : loi AGEC, filières REP, CSRD, ainsi que les textes européens récents (PPWR, ESPR, CRMA). Le cabinet traduit ces obligations en feuilles de route opérationnelles, pour transformer une contrainte de conformité en avantage stratégique.
What is a sector-based coalition and how can I participate?
Nous définissons en amont des indicateurs de circularité adaptés (matières économisées, taux de réemploi, réduction d'empreinte, valeur générée) et suivons leur évolution tout au long de la mission, pour des résultats business et environnementaux concrets.
How do you measure the results of your engagements?
Basé à Paris, Circul'R intervient principalement en France et en Europe. À l'international, il accompagne des projets de coopération : partage de l'expertise française sur la REP, appui aux bailleurs de fonds sur leurs programmes de transition circulaire dans les pays émergents, via un réseau de partenaires opérationnels et d'experts sectoriels.
What is the average duration of a project?
Contactez l'équipe via le site : Circul'R analyse vos enjeux puis propose le dispositif adapté (mission de conseil, rejoindre une coalition, suivre une formation ou adhérer au Club) pour accélérer votre transition vers l'économie circulaire.