OVAM | No clear trend in material circularity in Flanders

The circular material use rate (CMUR) in Flanders was 14.2% in 2022, according to the latest VITO analysis commissioned by OVAM. The CMUR measures the share of total material use coming from recycled sources and is a key benchmark for the transition to a circular economy. Between 2014 and 2022, the CMUR fluctuated between 14.2% and 16.7% with no clear trend, as increases in circular material use were offset by rising overall material consumption. 

Flanders’ CMUR is above the EU-27 average (11.5%) but below countries like the Netherlands (27.2%) and Belgium overall (18.3%). Most circular material use comes from non-metallic minerals such as construction materials (22.1% in 2022), while metals, biomass, and fossil fuels lag behind. To strengthen the circular economy, Flanders needs to boost recycling, reduce total material use, improve production efficiency, and extend product lifespans. 

Source: https://ovam.vlaanderen.be (in Dutch)