Circular Economy Annual Conference “Resources in Circulation” – Key Takeaways
Yesterday, the Circular Economy Core Laboratory at TalTech hosted the Circular Economy Annual Conference "Resources in Circulation." Here are some key insights I’d like to share.
The Global Free Trade Crisis and the Role of the Circular Economy
Tarmo Kalvet from TalTech provided an overview of the current state of global free trade, which can be summed up in one word: crisis. The tariffs imposed by the U.S. are disrupting global supply chains, making circular economy not just an environmental concern but also an increasingly significant economic policy instrument. As resources become more expensive and less accessible, the need for their efficient use is growing.
Resource Valorization as an Opportunity for Estonian Industry
The current crisis creates a favorable context for the European Union’s goal of covering 40% of its critical raw material processing needs with domestic solutions by 2030. Two Estonian companies leading the way include:
UP Catalyst – a technology that converts CO₂ into carbon materials needed for battery production.
Trisector – valorizing mining waste by transforming waste rock from the Estonia mine into new raw materials.
However, resource valorization is not yet widespread in Estonia’s industry. The main obstacle identified is the perception that secondary raw materials are a problem rather than an opportunity. Additionally, the current waste legislation does not support circularity—industrial waste involves administrative burdens, and reusing it requires certifications and environmental permits, which are time-consuming and costly to obtain. As a result, it is often easier to dispose of waste in a landfill.
Another significant issue is the government’s passive role in leading the circular economy. Although guidelines for integrating circularity conditions into public procurement have been in place since 2021, they have not been effectively implemented in practice.
Kliimaministeerium’s Deputy Secretary General for the Living Environment and Circular Economy, Ivo Jaanisoo, offered optimism, stating that we are at a turning point. Several key developments are expected soon to drive the circular economy forward, including:
Higher incineration and landfill fee
Eco-design regulations
Green public procurement
The EU Clean Industry Agreement, which will increase demand for secondary raw materials
The EU Circular Economy Law
New secondary raw material requirements for packaging starting in 2026
Jaanisoo emphasized that now is the right time to invest in the circular economy to gain a competitive advantage in the future.
The State of the Circular Economy in Estonia
According to Tõnu Tuppis (EIS), Estonia has approximately 200 companies engaged in waste and secondary raw material processing, and around 8,000 companies are using circular business models.
For the circular economy to play a significant role in Estonia’s economy, we need a shift in both mindset and regulations. One thing is clear—efforts must be made to keep resources in circulation.
#circulareconomy #circularbusinessmodels #resourcevalorization #circulardesign #competitiveadvantage
