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Estonia is one of the most progressive countries in Northern Europe regarding sustainable development and environmental care. Due to its advanced digital infrastructure, high level of citizen engagement in environmental issues, and innovations that are being actively supported, Estonia has succeeded in building a green economy. In the last years, the country is also actively developing a CE, what is reflected in its legislative and economic initiatives. In 2024, Estonia received the highest rating in the EPI and confirmed its leadership in environmental governance (table 2).

Table 2. EPI Index [21]

Among the initial steps in transitioning to the CE was the adoption in 2014 of the Estonian Sustainable Development Strategy, which provided goals for switching from the linear to the circular economic model. In 2017, the CE Action Plan was approved, stipulating goals for the recycling and reuse of materials [33]. One of the biggest undertakings was the incorporation of necessary recycling levels for plastics and other materials within the law, adding tax credits for companies already seriously investing in sustainable production methods.

Laws and legislative developments form a very important part in promoting the CE. First of all, the so-called Waste Recycling Act has regulated the process of separation and further processing of garbage [34]. In 2019, Estonia also adopted the CE Act, which requires companies to use recycled materials and develop products with consideration for their future recyclability or reuse. These laws support the mandatory recycling of plastics, paper, glass, and other materials, while also encouraging the adoption of green technologies.

Over the years, the Estonian waste collection industry has recorded a gradual annual turnover increase that is proportional to the rise in concern for environmental sustainability and material recycling [35]. Due to infrastructure development for recycling purposes and waste processing technologies, the performance has been promising for years (fig.9).

However, the greatest challenge Estonia faces at present is meeting the set target by the EU in regard to waste recycling. Currently, the country is significantly behind the level of household waste recycling required and may face relevant penalties by the EU. By 2025, Estonia is bound to recycle at least 55% of household waste, but the current rate of recycling stands at only 33% of greenhouse gas emissions and promote the closed-loop cycle of energy production. It has a strategic plan for changing to 100% RE by 2030.

Figure 9. Annual turnover of the waste collection industry in Estonia from 2013 to 2022, million euros [36]

In the field of energy, Estonia emphasizes the development of RE sources. In 2022, more than 40% of the produced electricity came from renewable sources, including biomass and wind power plants. Waste-to-energy technologies, such as biogas plants that convert organic waste into biogas, are in active use. Such technologies contribute to the reduction.

This has a counterpart among the industrial companies in Estonia, with a bright example being Enefit Green, active in industrial waste usage for biomass and RE production. In 2023, the company was recycling organic waste in remarkable volumes that contributed to considerably lowering the environmental footprint of its production and improving circularity metrics.

Meanwhile, Estonian companies and startups also have contributions in regard to CE solutions. As one example, Polymer Deka has focused on the recycling of plastic waste; a developed technology allows converting plastic waste into new construction materials that make production with a low carbon footprint. EcoTree is another such startup processing wood waste to make environmentally friendly construction materials.

Education and public awareness help further the CE within Estonia. In 2021, the National Environmental Education Plan was adopted, also including programs of citizens’ and entrepreneurs’ education on principles of sustainable consumption and waste management. The initiatives also include waste separation campaigns, as well as educational programs for raising the level of awareness about the CE principles.

Thus, Estonia illustrates successful integration of the CE at all levels, from government policies to corporate initiatives. Implementation of environmental innovations, increase in recycling rates, and sustainable consumption, together with active engagement of citizens, enables the country not only to hold high positions in environmental sustainability rankings but also to contribute substantially to the global struggle against climate change. However, meeting the overall sustainable development targets set by the EU remains an ongoing task.