Opportunities and threats for Grand Est industry
Summary table
| Threats | Opportunities |
| Lack of interregional coordination | Strengthening of local initiatives with institutional support |
| Dependence on critical raw materials | Valorisation of local bio-based resources |
| Difficulty of access to funding for SMEs | Creation of refurbishment and second-hand channels |
| Increased need for skilled labour for recycling | Optimisation of supply chains to reduce the carbon footprint |
Threats for Grand Est industry
- Lack of interregional coordination: The fragmentation of circular economy policies between regions makes it more complex for Grand Est companies to harmonise practices, particularly those operating in several areas. Compliance costs vary from one zone to another, which can create inefficiencies for companies in the food and construction sectors.
- Dependence on critical raw materials: Metallurgy, an important sector in the Grand Est, depends on imported rare metals. The lack of coordination in supply chains limits access to these essential resources, heightening the risks linked to shortages and cost fluctuations for local industry.
- Difficulty of access to funding for SMEs: The region's small industrial structures struggle to obtain funding for circular projects because of the complexity of the schemes and the eligibility criteria. This is a major obstacle for the region's SMEs, notably in the plastics and textile sectors.
- Increased need for skilled labour for recycling: With the rise of the circular economy, local companies need more staff trained in repair and recycling occupations, but the lack of specialised training in the region creates a gap between demand and the skills available.
Opportunities for Grand Est industry
- Strengthening of local initiatives with institutional support: With bodies such as the Grand Est Region and "Grand Est Développement", or certain local clusters, industry can draw on local support initiatives to launch circular projects.
- Valorisation of local bio-based resources: Industry can take advantage of local bio-based resources in order to reduce its dependence on international supply chains, drawing on bodies such as "Quest for bioeconomy", a Grand Est bioeconomy incubator working on themes such as bio-based materials and sustainable food
- Creation of refurbishment and second-hand channels: With growing demand for second-hand products, Grand Est companies can move into the refurbishment of electronic products, textiles or industrial equipment. This activity makes it possible to diversify revenues while meeting expectations for more sustainable products
- Optimisation of supply chains to reduce the carbon footprint: Thanks to their strategic location, Grand Est companies can optimise their supply chains in order to favour multimodal transport and reduce their carbon footprint. This can attract customers and partners who are sensitive to sustainable practices.