Factsheet for measure
BE-2018-1/2676
– measures in Belgium
Circular economy cheque
Chèque éco-circulaire
Background information
The purpose of the circular economy check is to make enterprises accustomed to the idea that taking the environment into account within a company can form an opportunity.
It is considered to gradually become a strategic issue and, by committing to a circular economy approach, a company can improve its economic performance (e.g. reduce its costs, limit its dependence on raw materials, strengthen its brand image by differentiating itself in a sustainable way on the market) while taking into account its social and environmental impacts.
Content of measure
The objective is to make possible innovative projects relating to the principles of the circular economy that focus on a creative approach with the aim of bringing added value to the company.
The place of business has to be located in Wallonia.
The company is an SME, which means, a company that employs fewer than 250 people and has an annual turnover of fewer €50 million, or a balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million.
The company's activity does not fall within a sector excluded on based on the
de minimis
reregulation, for example fishing, aquaculture, premium production of agricultural products).
Additionally, a prior assessment of the project has to be performed and a certified service provider has to be utilised as well.
The cheque will let businesses make use of services of a selection 18 specialised experts provided by the government for assistance with eco-design and the development of sustainable products and services, as well as the optimisation and improvement of industrial procedures and organisational processes. The Walloon Region finances the service up to 75% of the costs excluding VAT, limited to €45,000 over three years.
More specifically, the cheque aims to support the company in its reflection on:
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Ecodesign and the development of sustainable products and services,
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The exchange or pooling of materials in synergy with other companies,
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The optimisation and improvement of industrial and organisational processes,
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The evolution of its business model in a logic of functionality.
Use of measure
After the first year (2017) of the programme in total approximately 355 requests were made, 206 of which were approved, amounting up to €1.7 million.
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Does not apply to workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Does not apply to citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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Local / regional government
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Regional funds
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Unknown
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Unknown
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Form
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Not applicable
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Not applicable
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Unknown
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Main level of involvement: Unknown
Involvement
Unknown
Views and reactions
Unknown
Sources
