The transformation toward a true circular economy is one of the key future challenges for Austria. Together with other leading companies, SALESIANER—represented by Mathias Nell, Head of Sustainability of the SALESIANER Group—was part of a delegation that presented concrete proposals for implementing circular economy measures to Federal Minister Norbert Totschnig and Director General Christian Holzer (BMLUK). 

Driving Austria’s transition to a circular economy requires joint action from politics, administration, and business. This conviction was shared by around 20 representatives of leading Austrian companies and organizations who presented a comprehensive catalogue of measures, initiated by Reinhard Backhausen, Vice President of the Austrian Trade Association (ÖGV), to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regions and Water Management (BMLUK). 

The catalogue contains concrete proposals to implement the circular economy in Austria in a practical and economically effective way. These include, among others: 

• Eliminating regulatory barriers, particularly in waste legislation
• Creating demand for circular products through public procurement
• Developing cross-border markets for secondary raw materials
• Providing information, training, and continuing education for businesses—especially SMEs
• Fiscal measures that support circular business models

Minister Totschnig emphasized that this transformation can only succeed if all stakeholders work together and tangible support for companies becomes visible. The delegation called for the swift implementation of the measures agreed upon in the government program through a dedicated action plan. 

For SALESIANER, participation in this initiative represents an important step in aligning its own sustainable corporate strategy with broader economic and political developments. Through resource-efficient textile services, innovative washing processes, and a strong focus on reuse and circular thinking, SALESIANER is already making an active contribution to building a functioning circular economy in Austria.

The full press release is available for download here (German only): Press Release (PDF)