In today's world, where sustainability and resource efficiency are paramount, the concept of a circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative solution. The newly published BS ISO 59000 family of standards is designed to facilitate this transition by harmonizing the understanding and implementation of the circular economy. 

The circular economy for organizations is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. 

Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take, make, dispose' model, the circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their service life. 

For organizations, this means rethinking and redesigning business models, products, processes, and services to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. 

This is where standards come in. Aimed at organizations across all sectors—government, industry, and non-profit—the BS ISO 59000 series of standards supports the transition and builds upon the guidance of BS 8001 Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations. Guide.

Understanding the circular economy framework

The BS ISO 59000 series aims to standardize the principles, implementation, and measurement of the circular economy. These standards are designed to be universally applicable, assisting organizations in contributing to the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. 

The series includes several standards, with BS ISO 59004, BS ISO 59010, and BS ISO 59020 being published recently.

BS ISO 59004: Principles and vision of the circular economy

• Scope: defines CE, its vision, principles, and general implementation guidance.

• Purpose: helps organizations understand and commit to CE, contributing to sustainable development.

• Application: applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type, or sector, globally.

BS ISO 59010: Transitioning to circular business model

• Scope: provides business-oriented guidance for transitioning to circular business models and value networks.

• Purpose: offers a structured methodology for integrating circularity into business strategies.

• Application: focuses on business strategies at organizational and inter-organizational levels.

BS ISO 59020: Measuring and assessing circularity performance

• Scope: offers a framework for measuring and assessing circularity performance using standard indicators.

• Purpose: assists organizations in monitoring their circularity performance and sustainability impacts.

• Application: applicable at various scales, from regional to product levels, and across all sectors.

Why implement the BS ISO 59000 standards?

The BS ISO 59000 series of standards offers a robust framework for organizations to transition to a circular economy. By adopting these standards, organizations can reap numerous benefits that span environmental, economic, and social dimensions.

Global consistency and comparability

The BS ISO 59000 series provides an internationally standardized approach to CE, ensuring consistent implementation across the globe. This harmonization facilitates comparability and benchmarking, enabling organizations to measure their performance against international standards.

Comprehensive frameworks

Each standard within the BS ISO 59000 series addresses different aspects of the circular economy. BS ISO 59004 sets the foundational principles, BS ISO 59010 provides business-oriented guidance, and BS ISO 59020 offers tools for measurement and assessment. Together, they create a comprehensive framework that covers the entire transition process.

Adaptability across sectors

The standards are designed to be non-sector-specific, making them adaptable to any industry. Whether in manufacturing, services, government, or non-profit sectors, organizations can tailor these standards to their specific needs, ensuring broad applicability and relevance.

Support for sustainable development

By adopting these standards, organizations can align their operations with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The BS ISO 59000 series not only promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction but also supports broader sustainability goals, including social and economic development.

Enhanced business performance

Transitioning to a circular economy can lead to significant business benefits, including cost savings from resource efficiency, new revenue streams from circular business models, and improved resilience against resource scarcity. The structured approach provided by BS ISO 59010 helps businesses strategically plan and implement these changes.

Want to learn more? Discover how standards are supporting sustainability initiatives and the transition to net zero by visiting our Net Zero Topic Page.

Solving industry circular economy challenges

The BS ISO 59000 series addresses several critical challenges faced by organizations in transitioning to a circular economy:

• Unified definitions and principles: provides a common language and understanding of CE, which is essential for collaboration and implementation across different sectors and regions.

• Implementation framework: offers practical guidance on transitioning to circular business models, helping organizations move from theory to action.

• Measurement and assessment: establishes standardized methods for measuring circularity performance, enabling organizations to track progress and identify areas for improvement.

By adopting these standards, organizations can accelerate their transition to a circular economy, minimize resource use, and optimize the circular flow of resources, thereby contributing to sustainable development on a global scale.