In his address to the IIEA, Joan Marc Simon argues that the EU needs to adopt a multidimensional approach to tackle Europe’s waste problem. He proposes that EU policymakers will need to replace half a century of legislation and economic incentives favouring disposability with a new paradigm in resource management if Europe is to achieve a circular future. Mr Simon argues that Europe needs a socio-economic system that is healthy for people, rebuilds natural capital, and generates local economic activity rooted in the community. To realise this vision, he concludes that coordinated and integrated EU policymaking will be essential to change packaging, chemical, and food policies, and lay the foundations of a circular, healthier, and fairer society.

About the Speaker:

Joan Marc Simon is the Executive Director of Zero Waste Europe, a Brussels-based NGO that operates as a knowledge network and advocacy group. It works with 400 municipalities in 24 countries, with the mission of redesigning our relationship with resources. Mr Simon is a member of the Steering Committee of the Break Free from Plastic movement. He is the author of many influential articles, such as the ‘Zero Waste Masterplan for Cities’ and several books, including ‘Zero Waste – How to Reactivate the Economy Without Trashing the planet’ and ‘It’s Plastic, Stupid!’. Mr Simon has a background in economics and considerable experience of working with governmental and non-governmental organisations in the field of good governance, new economics, social justice, and the environment.