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Issues of the future – Sustainability

The idea of engaging in economic activity without creating any waste and using the same resources over and over again may still sound like a utopian vision. But in Europe, this prospect is becoming more realistic – thanks in part to the circular economy initiative, which sees European promotional banks working together to support companies’ and municipalities’ efforts towards achieving this goal. KfW is playing its part as well.

The aim of the circular economy is to ensure that entire production systems are designed as a closed loop, helping to minimise waste, emissions, and the loss of materials and energy. This requires an extensive series of measures throughout the value chain.

“For KfW, sustainability has always played a crucial role. Around 40 per cent of our funds already go towards environmental and climate protection. However, no country can tackle the enormous challenges on its own. That is why it is also extremely important to work closely together with our European partners in this area.

Preservation of our natural resources is a key topic, which we want to look at more going forward. The transition to a circular economy will play a key role here, and our joint initiative is a first step towards achieving this goal.”

Dr Günther Bräunig, Chief Executive Officer of KfW

Further information

KfW Stories – Circular economy dossier

The dossier examines the Joint Initiative on Circular Economy (JICE) and projects that follow the circular economy principle.

Find out more

KfW Newsroom – Press release

Five European national promotional banks and institutions and the European Investment Bank launched the Joint Initiative on Circular Economy.

Find out more

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

KfW supports the United Nations’ 17 goals for environmentally, economically and socially sustainable development.

Find out more