Circular economy: economic impacts of higher material recycling targets

The circular economy requires well-functioning waste management systems. In this regards, packaging waste management (PWM) plays a key role. The Italian PWM system bases on a consortium with operate in compliance with the extended producer responsibility. The key financial mechanism ruling the functioning of the system is the so-called environment contribution. This paper draws up potential socio-economic implications arising from higher recycling targets in the medium-term. Two scenarios are discussed: