Company perspectives on the development of the CE in the seafaring sector and the Kainuu region in Finland

Circular economy is among the contemporary policy goals at both EU and national level in Finland encompassing growing focus on, for example, resource efficiency, life cycle thinking and sustainability considerations. This study presents two case studies on company perspectives on the development of the circular economy. The sectoral study aimed at assessing the perspectives of both companies and public authorities on circular economy development in the seafaring sector whereas the sectoral study aimed at assessing the implications of the key elements of circular economy for companies in the Kainuu region in Finland. The results indicate that there is a need for more awareness building and capacity-development to promote more proactive approaches to the advancement of a circular economy encompassing focus on, for example, material and energy efficiency, development of both international and sectoral guidelines and best practices, life cycle thinking and assessment, recycling/reuse, whole supply chains, waste minimization and utilization of by-products and side flows. The role of supportive public steering measures is also significant. Companies had positive perspectives on future development in this field and were willing to implement various measures to promote circular economy.