Issue＃6: Why Has Europe Taken the Lead in the Circular Economy? — Cultural, Historical, and Policy Foundations Behind a Circular Society
Introduction: "Circularity" Is No Coincidence
The circular economy (CE) is now a global movement. Among the leaders is Europe, where CE is already entering an implementation phase across policy, business, and education, particularly in EU countries. But why has Europe been able to take the lead? The answer goes beyond institutional design or technological innovation. Clues can be found in Europe’s culture, history, geography—and deeply rooted values.
Cultural Foundations: A Society That Values Repair
Europe has long embraced a culture of prolonging the life of goods.
- In France, the “Right to Repair” is widely recognized as a consumer right.
- In Germany, DIY and local workshop culture remain strong; “repairable goods” are part of daily life.
- The Netherlands has “Repair Cafés” nationwide—free spaces where people fix their items.
These cultural norms serve as a kind of “immunity” to the throwaway culture, forming the foundation for a circular society.
Historical Experience: War and Scarcity Nurtured the Wisdom of Reuse
Many European countries experienced severe material shortages during WWII and the Cold War.
- The UK fostered a mindset of “Make Do and Mend.”
- In Germany, circular resource use was institutionalized as part of national survival strategies.
Such histories ingrained the belief that resources are to be circulated, not exhausted, across society.
Geographic Factors: Scarcity Drives Urgency
Europe lacks abundant natural resources.
- Energy: Many countries rely on imports from the Middle East or Russia.
- Raw materials: Critical to manufacturing, like rare metals and petrochemicals, are mostly imported.
Designing an economy that doesn’t rely on waste is not just preferable—it’s geopolitically essential. Since the destabilization of Russian energy supply, recycled materials and renewables have become political priorities.
Policy and Legal Systems: The EU’s Proactive Standard Setting
The European Commission has long positioned CE as a foundation for industrial competitiveness, creating ambitious frameworks like:
- 2015: Circular Economy Package
- 2019: Green Deal (including CE commitments)
- 2023: EcoDesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, CSRD for corporate sustainability disclosure
These frameworks created an environment where action is necessary—pushing businesses and universities through a powerful top-down and bottom-up dynamic.
Education & Public Awareness: Sustainability as a Way of Life
In many countries:
- Eco-education is built into primary and secondary school curricula.
- Sustainable products are perceived as a social status choice by consumers.
- In places like the Netherlands and Germany, students naturally aspire to launch CE startups.
Here, CE is not an “idealistic” choice—it’s a practical and everyday option.
Conclusion: Europe Has Designed a Society Where Circularity Feels Rational
In Europe, being circular means being ethical—and also economically advantageous. That understanding is socially shared and institutionally supported.
What This Means for Japan and Asia
There are clear lessons for Japan and ASEAN in Europe’s approach to CE: