Implementing the Circular Economy in Poland’s Industrial Sectors

Abstract

This study examines the Circular Economy (CE) in Poland’s energy and resource-intensive industries specifically in the steel and metallurgy, cement, chemical and petrochemical, pulp and paper, and glass sectors between 2010 and 2025, using a data-driven benchmarking approach based on national and international statistics. It evaluates how (CE) strategies have mitigated traditionally less efficient industrial practices, characterized by excessive consumption of energy, water, and raw materials. The sectors achieved 15–30% reductions in energy and CO₂ intensity and up to 40–50% savings in water use, reflecting measurable progress toward industrial modernization and sustainability. These gains stem from the gradual adoption of CE principles, technological innovation, and alignment with EU environmental frameworks, though progress remains uneven. Continued investment and cross-sector cooperation are essential to accelerate Poland’s transition from regulation to circularity and meet 2050 climate goals.