The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is currently developing a set of standards on circular economy. These standards have the potential to influence the global interpretation of the circular economy. At the moment, they are silent on designing out pollution, and make space for incineration as part of the circular economy, among other issues. They therefore risk watering down the concept of the circular economy unless we address the key loopholes. The consequences of this are not minor. We fear that this standard will be used to access green funding and for the implementation of international treaties such as the Global Plastics Treaty. We are also seeing that their weak definition of circular economy is already making its way into EU policy through the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

An opportunity for shaping the final standards will soon open up at national level and we encourage all interested members to join efforts with us and ECOS by sending comments through your National Standards Bodies.

To learn more, join us and ECOS in an info session and informal conversation in which we will answer the following questions:

• What are the ISO circular economy standards about?

• Why are they important? How could they influence EU and international policy?

• What are the key issues with these standards?

• How can your organisation get involved?

If you cannot join the info session, but want to know more or get involved? Contact Mariana López (mariana.lopez@ecostandard.org) from ECOS, she will be happy to fill you in!

ISO Circular Economy Standards: stakes are high. Learn why you should care