In 2019, a new ISO technical committee (TC323) was launched to provide standardization in the field of Circular Economy (CE). The standardization documents are to include: “frameworks, guidance, supporting tools and requirements for the implementation of activities of all involved organizations, to maximize the contribution to Sustainable Development”.  There is some concern about the creation of the TC given that standardization work on CE is already underway in IEC/TC111 and ISO/TC207 (Environmental Management Systems).

Never-the-less, the TC received sufficient support from National Bodies around the world and was officially launched in 2019.  Three New Work Item Proposals to begin the standardization work were recently circulated for voting.  The proposals are on:

• ISO 99004 Circular Economy – Framework, principles, terminology, and management system standard
• ISO 99010 Circular economy — Guidelines on business models and value chains
  • The circular business models are to be based on:
    • circular design (lifetime extension, dematerialization, refurbish and maintain);
    • circular use (sell and buy-back, circular supplies, product as a service, sharing/lease)
    • circular recovery (recapture material, recycling facility, recovery provider)
  • ISO 99020: Circular economy — Measuring circularity framework

A study on “Circular economy – Performance-based approach – analysis of cases studies” has also been proposed.

Information about ISO/TC323 is available on the ISO website[1].

Impact on EEE Manufacturers

Many EEE manufacturers have already implemented select CE initiatives; however, there’s concern that some CE actions that may improve circularity could have negative side-effects to compromise safety or reduce innovation.  This is especially true in the EEE industry.  Potential trade-offs should be taken into account in the development of these CE standards.

[1] ISO/TC323 website, https://www.iso.org/committee/7203984.html