How do Walloon companies perceive the circular economy in 2024? What challenges are they facing? What actions are already underway? The latest Circular Economy Barometer, published as part of the Circular Wallonia strategy, provides answers to these questions.
Where Does the Circular Economy in Wallonia Stand in 2024?
The 2024 Circular Economy Barometer offers an up-to-date snapshot of Walloon companies' knowledge, practices and challenges regarding circularityCircularity describes the quantity of materials managed in a closed loop.. Based on a survey which was conducted among 2,083 businesses, it highlights key trends and drivers to accelerate the circular transition.
Knowledge is Increasing, but Still Incomplete
Two-thirds of respondents say they are familiar with the circular economyThe circular economy is a restorative and regenerative economy. By maintaining the value of the products, materials and resources in the economy through smart product design, repurposing and/or shared use of products, it reduces the extraction of natural resources by using resources already present in the economy.. However, only a minority claim to have a deep understanding of it. The results vary significantly depending on company size: larger businesses tend to be more informed than micro-enterprises.
Concrete Actions, but Few Integrated Strategies
While some circular practices such as waste sorting, consumption reduction and sustainable procurement are widely adopted , only 27% of companies say they have incorporated these principles into their corporate strategy. As a result, these practices often remain limited to isolated actions.
A Need for Support
The barometer highlights several obstacles to adopt a broader strategy:
- lack of time,
- difficulty identifying relevant actions,
- a greater need for practical information.
To overcome these obstacles, the businesses surveyed put forward a number of solutions: financial support, access to expertise, training, and legal guidance.
Want to Know More?
Download the full report. This is a valuable tool for any Walloon business looking to evolve towards a more circular model.