Publication of new ERTRAC Roadmap on Circularity and Competitiveness
Providing a comprehensive overview of research and innovation priorities to advance Circular Economy in road transport and enhance the competitiveness of the European automotive sector.
Adopted by ERTRAC in June 2025, the new European Roadmap on Circularity and Competitiveness has the objective to promote a more sustainable and resilient road transport sector. The document provides a strategic perspective on the essential role of circular economy principles within the automotive industry, as well as their broader implications for the entire road transport ecosystem. By addressing the pressing need for resource efficiency, waste reduction, and technology sovereignty, the roadmap is a good reference for research stakeholders and policy-makers.
The roadmap offers a detailed explanation of why circularity is no longer a choice but a necessity for the automotive sector. With mounting global pressures related to resource scarcity and climate commitments, adopting circular approaches is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the industry. The roadmap delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition, mentioning some best practices and calling for flagship initiatives at the European level to bring stakeholders together into key initiatives with critical mass to achieve tangible results.
A key feature of the roadmap is its detailed identification of research needs that must be tackled in the years ahead. It sets out a clear agenda for innovation, outlining priority areas such as advanced materials, design for disassembly, innovative recycling technologies, and systemic business model shifts. These research objectives are meant to encourage collaborative efforts across the value chain and drive meaningful progress towards more circular business practices.
Ultimately, the new ERTRAC roadmap is a call for action to all stakeholders to accelerate the transformation of the sector towards greater circularity. By fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and investing in targeted research and development, the sector can not only enhance its environmental performance but also secure its competitiveness on the global stage. The roadmap provides the vision and guidance needed to turn this ambition into action.