The circular economy (CE) is a production model in which products, materials and resources remain in circulation for as long as possible, waste is minimised and transformed into new resources. The CE promotes the efficient use of resources, including energy and water, reduces the consumption of resources and, as a result, minimises the negative impact of industrial activity on the environment.
At the ORLEN Group, we are implementing a circular economy to address global challenges and strengthen our business resilience and competitiveness. Our actions are aimed at offering products with lower emissions and based on eco-design principles, reducing costs through the efficient use of resources, and developing new business areas. The transition towards the circular economy model supports the ORLEN Group in fulfilling its commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Linear Economy
Circular Economy
Circular economy pillars
We are delivering the ORLEN Group’s strategic objectives relating to the circular use of resources and the energy transition by implementing the below pillars of the circular economy.
Eco-design
Circular economy as an integral part of product and service design and the life cycle of assets
We strive to incorporate circular economy principles from the design stage of our products, services and technological processes. This approach also applies to asset decommissioning.
Circular processes
Greater process efficiency – lower resource consumption
We optimise production processes and operational activities in line with the principles of the circular economy, focusing on improving material, energy and water efficiency. We aim to minimise raw material losses and waste generation, treating them as potential resources.
Circular resources
Development of products based on circular feedstocks
We are developing a product portfolio containing recycled, renewable and alternative raw materials. We are gradually implementing solutions that enable the replacement of virgin raw materials with bio-based materials or those derived from recycling, recovery or reuse.
New business streams
Circular economy as a source of innovation and growth
We are creating new business models based on the principles of the circular economy, responding to our customers’ real needs. We regard the circular economy as a key element of the ORLEN Group’s long-term development strategy.
Benefits of the circular economy
By implementing the principles of the circular economy across the ORLEN Group’s operations, we aim to improve the efficiency of resource and energy use, reduce costs and minimise our environmental impact, whilst at the same time strengthening innovation and long-term competitiveness.
Strengthening the local economy
One of the principles of the circular economy is to support local production models by reusing waste streams and materials available in the region as raw materials.
Development of modern industry and employment
Circularity fosters the emergence of innovative, competitive industrial models and the creation of new jobs and skills for the future.
Greater resource independence
The reuse of resources helps to reduce dependence on imported primary raw materials and increase the stability of economic systems.
Sustainable development
Circular economy initiatives contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the ORLEN Group’s Sustainable Development Strategy 2025–2035 by having an impact on i.e. emission levels, consumption of primary raw materials and waste volumes.
ORLEN Group’s Circular Economy Policy
The ORLEN Group’s Circular Economy Policy, adopted in 2025, sets out the directions for development, operating principles and key factors supporting the gradual implementation of the circular economy within the ORLEN Group.
- Implementing the circular economy principles
Maximising the raw material potential embodied in products by extending the time resources remain in the economic cycle, recovering value from waste, and gradually replacing fossil raw materials with renewable, circular and secondary raw materials.
- Implementing effective resource management
Optimising processes to reduce the consumption of raw materials, water and energy, and promoting the reuse, recovery and recycling of waste in accordance with the principles of the circular economy.
- Striving to utilise waste
Utilising waste within the value chain, reducing waste generation and exploring opportunities to further transform it into fully-fledged products – in accordance with the waste management hierarchy.
- Seeking circular solutions throughout the entire life cycle of products and assets
Seeking potential circular economy solutions in new investments, existing processes and resources arising from modification or decommissioning, taking into account the environmental management principles in force within the ORLEN Group.
- Supporting partnerships and industrial symbiosis
Fostering cooperation between companies within the ORLEN Group and other entities, including suppliers, government bodies, local authorities and communities, aimed at the efficient use of resources, the development of joint projects and the implementation of circular economy solutions across the value chain.
- Seeking new business opportunities
Launching new business streams based on the circular economy principles and creating products and services aligned with the concept of circularity.
- Expanding the potential of the circular economy
Identifying opportunities and risks, setting targets and monitoring progress.
- Promoting research and innovation
Seeking alternatives to conventional raw materials, eco-design, and optimising production management and product life cycles to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste, emissions and negative environmental impacts.
- Supporting a responsible supply chain
Introducing sustainability and circularity criteria into procurement processes.
- Circular economy capacity building
Conducting training sessions and educational campaigns in collaboration with representatives from academia, government and industry partners. Building an organisational culture based on the sharing of knowledge, best practices and innovations.
