The willingness to invest in the circular economy will decline in 2025 compared to the previous year, Altstoff Recycling Austria AG (ARA) announced in this year’s Circular Economy Barometer. Although more companies than ever before are theoretically striving for the careful handling of raw materials, including the complete circular management of the material flow, there is a lack of actual willingness to invest.
91 percent of companies are using or planning to implement the circular economy, which is a new high. While the proportion of companies that have already actively integrated circular economy into their operations remains at the same level as last year at 83 percent, the number of those planning to implement it increases from six to eight percent. This means that the number of companies that do not plan anything towards circularity is continuing to decline – a rapid development, as just five years ago the proportion was one third.
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The decline in willingness to invest in this area of sustainability is primarily due to small companies: 46 percent of them are ready to invest in 2025, compared to 74 percent in the previous year. Fortunately, large companies are keeping their investment plans at a consistently high level (84 percent).
“The results of the current barometer show: circular economy still has an important place for Austrian companies, its future potential is undisputed. Despite the tense economic situation with fluctuating customs policy and rising energy costs, companies recognize the great opportunity in reuse, waste reduction and the use of recycled materials,” said ARA board spokesman Harald Hauke. Smaller companies in particular need more targeted support when introducing circular economy, says Anna Kulnig from the consultant NIQ/GfK. 71 percent of the companies surveyed would like support with financial support and know-how transfer.
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Image: ARA/Daniel Willinger
Source: Nachrichten
