The Department of Economics at the University of Malta recently hosted a round table discussion on the circular economy and greening enterprise with local representatives of state and private entities, and stakeholders with an interest in circular economy.

The focus of the discussion was the measurement of business circularity, namely the potential of measuring circularity through survey questions, common indicators and/or material flow analysis. Participants shared their experiences with the aim of supporting the transition of the local economy into a circular one.

Professor John Thøgersen, visiting the Department of Economics, also addressed the round table.  Professor Thøgersen is Professor of Economic Psychology at Aarhus University, Denmark, with experience in projects on sustainable lifestyles, social norms in the environmental field, energy-related behaviour in households, and consumer acceptance of organic food products.

Dr Marie Briguglio and Dr Jonathan Spiteri both presented an overview of the 'R2π - Transition from Linear 2 Circular: Policy and Innovation' project. The University of Malta is a partner on the R2π project, funded by the Horizon 2020 programme. Members of the R2π international consortium include 15 partners from nine EU member states and associated countries (UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Malta, Poland, Belgium and Israel). The aim of the R2π project is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, highlighting business models for a circular economy and proposing policy that will support such business models.