On 13 August 2024, the Cabinet appointed the 9th Government Commission ‘Circular Economy’ to advise the state government on its circular economy strategies.
 

The government commission is to formulate recommendations for politics and business on the four key topics of circular product design - development of ecological cycles, circular society - sustainable consumption and handling of products, extraction and use of secondary raw materials and chemicals hazardous to the environment and health in the circular economy. The commission's topics should address issues and problems in Lower Saxony as specifically as possible and develop solutions and proposals. The commission will reportedly be chaired by Gunnar Groebler, CEO of the Salzgitter AG steel group. Environment Minister Christian Meyer (Alliance 90/The Greens) commented on the establishment of the commission: ‘The circular economy and the economical use of resources can not only save money, but also protect the environment and make the economy more resilient. Significant greenhouse gas emissions can also be saved through a sustainable circular economy and consumption.’

 
The results of the 8th Government Commission ‘Sustainable environmental policy and digital change’, which advised the state government of Lower Saxony on issues relating to ‘Sustainable chemicals policy’, ‘Further development of the circular economy and waste management’, ‘Product responsibility and resource efficiency’, ‘Emissions trading’ and ‘Environmental policy in times of digital change’, were also presented on 13 August 2024.
 
Sources:

• Press release from the State Chancellery of Lower Saxony (13.8.2024)
• Photo: © State Chancellery of Lower Saxony