Rolul băncilor în finanțarea economiei circulare

Abstract

The circular economy represents an organizational model of production and consumption that involves sharing, renting, reusing, repairing, reconditioning, and recycling existing materials and products as far as possible, thus extending the life cycle of products. The purpose of the research was to highlight the particularities of the activity of commercial banks to support the circular economy. In order to complete this work, official statistical data, policy documents from different countries, as well as the views of experts in the addressed field, were examined. The study of these sources allowed the formation of a complex image of the opportunities for the development of banking services intended for the circular economy. Today, banks are interested in financing the circular economy because they want to present themselves as socially responsible financial institutions to gain the trust of community members and authorities. Circular economy financing also helps banks avoid financing companies' activities that harm the environment and society. Also, the financing of the circular economy is part of the activity of green banks, which are institutions based on the promotion of innovative financing to accelerate the transition to clean energy and fight against climate change. Supporting the circular economy is also interesting for institutions, which promote themselves as sustainable banks and deal with the strategic planning and execution of banking operations and business activities, taking into account environmental, social, and governance impacts.