Country-specific implementation analysis of transition pathways in the selected case study sectors

Europe’s transition to a circular and bio-based economy (CBBE) requires sector-specific policies that are both ambitious and implementable. Building on the previous work done throughout the SUSTRACK project, final SUSTRACK DEPLOY Conferences were designed to discuss and contextualise policy instruments at national level, bridging European visions with the realities of key sectors analysed in the project, namely construction, textiles, chemicals and plastics. Held across five countries, the conferences engaged policymakers, industry representatives, researchers, and civil society to assess how different policy approaches could accelerate the transition. The goal was to identify which policy instruments hold the greatest potential to drive change in each sector, what barriers may hinder their adoption, and how they can be adapted to national contexts. Participants examined a broad set of regulatory and market-based instruments—ranging from quotas, bans, and standards to subsidies, taxes, and trading schemes—and provided structured feedback on their strengths, weaknesses, and feasibility. The discussions revealed several cross-cutting insights: High potential of regulatory instruments: Measures such as quotas for recycled or bio-based content, ecodesign standards, and bans on unsustainable practices were widely recognised as powerful drivers of change. However, they were also seen as politically sensitive, administratively demanding, and dependent on robust enforcement capacity. Essential but contested role of market-based instruments: Subsidies and innovation support were welcomed as enablers, especially for early-stage technologies and SMEs. At the same time, instruments such as taxation or carbon pricing raised concerns about competitiveness, uneven impacts across countries, and fiscal feasibility. Sectoral specificities matter: Construction stakeholders highlighted the importance of standards and incentives for bio-based materials; in chemicals, the focus was on feedstock diversification and sustainability criteria; textiles discussions emphasised ecodesign, recycling, and tackling fast fashion; plastics debates centred on recycled content targets and restrictions on single-use products. Context and acceptance as decisive factors: Stakeholders stressed that legal frameworks, market maturity, and public acceptance strongly shape the feasibility of policy implementation. Policies that appear effective in theory may face resistance or delays without careful alignment with national conditions. Beyond the discussions on policy instruments, the conferences also served as capacity-building platforms. Participants were introduced to SUSTRACK’s systemic tools and methods, designed to strengthen their ability to analyse complex policy trade-offs and monitor transition progress. This section of the conferences was dedicated to empowering participants with specific tools prepared in the framework of the SUSTRACK project and to invite them to multiply this knowledge with other experts and practitioners. In this way, the conferences contributed to both immediate policy dialogue and longer-term stakeholder empowerment. Taken together, the results demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all pathway for the circular bio-based transition. Instead, progress depends on tailoring instruments to sectoral realities, ensuring stakeholder acceptance, and striking a balance between regulatory ambition and market support. The insights collected provide policymakers and industry leaders with concrete evidence of what works, what risks need to be addressed, and where immediate opportunities for action lie.