Circular economy
A circular economy revolutionises our economic thinking. Instead of consuming resources and producing waste, a closed cycle with repair, reuse and recycling is created. The circular economy not only offers environment benefits, but also produces long-term economic growth and additional benefits for society.
Standards for the circular economy
With the Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission is endeavouring to ensure a cleaner and more competitive Europe. The measures go above and beyond waste reduction and start right from the beginning of the production chain. Product design, life cycle, supply chain and life cycle assessment – the aim is a sustainable product policy which completely exploits the potential of the c They provide the methodological basis for achieving the regulatory aims.ircular economy.
Standards play a key role in an efficient circular economy and support this transformation.
Three questions for committee manager Alena Rabitz
Standards play a key role in the green transformation by making sustainability practical and therefore increasing acceptance. They harmonise terminology and set requirements for circular products and services, which is a key prerequisite for making sure that the circular economy is economically successful.
Current international projects are focussed on standardising terms, changing business models, measuring the performance of circular-oriented solutions and optimising value chains.
The aim of a circular economy is to retain the value of products and resources for as long as possible. This not only results in reduced CO2 emissions, waste and environmental pollution, but also unleashes considerable economic potential thanks to resource-efficient, low-emission and circular production processes. Standards offer a framework and increase the obligation, which supports the green transformation.
Management systems as helpful tools
Management systems for quality, energy and the environment promote activities that bring about sustainability by enabling a comprehensive view of the organisation. They offer structured and systematic approaches in order to achieve aims in the company and continuously make improvements.
