The Review of Policy Instruments Stimulating Circular Economy: A Case Study of Poland

Abstract

The objective of the study was to review policy instruments stimulating circular economy (CE). The review was completed using analytical frameworks; primary material was compiled using the Science Direct database. The following four groups of potential instruments were identified and characterized: nodality, authority, treasure, and organization-based. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis was performed in order to examine their implementation in Poland. The study revealed a broad spectrum of application of legislative and economic instruments (targets, direct legal regulations, extended producer responsibility, taxation). On the other hand, the application of information instruments was revealed to be insufficient (information campaigns, eco-labelling) and the application of organization-based instruments to be negligible (eco-industrial parks, circular public procurement). We argue that a comprehensive character of support is required. This denotes the need for new, tailor-made policy instruments to be introduced. Finally, the article presents challenges for the policy mix in relation to the transition to CE, and suggests avenues for future research.