Circular Economy is now the norm in companies: discover the guidelines

Understand more about the importance of adopting circular practices for companies seeking sustainability, innovation, and resilience, and how ISO 59000 standards can guide this strategic transition.

By Mariana Brizi, from Movimento Circular.

About 85% of Brazilian industries have already adopted at least one circularity practice, according to research by the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) in partnership with the Center for Research in Circular Economy at the University of São Paulo, released in October. This data reinforces the presence of Circular Economy as a strategic pillar for organizations. In this scenario, ISO 59000 standards, particularly ISO 59004, are fundamental, as they provide practical guidelines for companies to implement circular processes at all operational levels, such as resource management, product design, and regenerative practices. These guidelines help to direct and measure progress towards a more circular model, simplifying the initial steps, which tend to be more complex.

What is ISO 59004?

This international standard is part of the ISO 59000 family and was specifically designed to promote the transition to a circular economy. Therefore, it provides detailed recommendations applicable to all types of organizations, defines key terms and concepts, establishes a vision of the circular economy, specifies fundamental principles, and offers recommendations to support concrete measures that favor sustainable development.

"The ISO 59000 series is a foundational guide for understanding and applying the concept of circular economy comprehensively. Within this framework, sustainable design positions itself as a key component, facilitating organizations to adopt more responsible and efficient practices in resource use. Furthermore, the series promotes compliance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 12 of responsible production and consumption," explains Silvia Predassi, R&D Manager at NUECO, a partner of Movimento Circular.

A crucial aspect of the ISO 59000 series is its focus on measuring circularity indicators. This allows companies to objectively assess their progress, set clear goals, and compare themselves with other organizations in the sector. The clarity and accuracy of the indicators proposed in these standards facilitate tracking advancements and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

According to Juan Fernández, CEO of NUECO, "the implementation of ISO 59004 generates multiple benefits for organizations, contributing to sustainability in its social, environmental, and economic dimensions. By optimizing resource use, costs are reduced, corporate image is improved in the eyes of consumers, and innovation in business models is fostered. Additionally, by aligning with international standards, companies can more easily comply with increasingly stringent environmental regulations."

What do you gain from circularity?

We know that the linear economic model, based on extraction, production, use, and disposal, is responsible for serious social and environmental impacts, such as the depletion of natural resources, climate change, and biodiversity loss. In this sense, ISO 59004 addresses these challenges and guides the transition to a circular economy model focused on a more sustainable development model. By adopting this standard, organizations can:

• Develop more sustainable and less environmentally harmful solutions.
• Create more effective and efficient processes to fulfill voluntary commitments and legal requirements.
• Contribute to addressing the climate emergency.
• Increase resilience in the face of resource scarcity and other environmental, social, and economic risks.
• Generate new opportunities within the production chain, valuing different social agents and business models.

In summary, the standards of the ISO 59000 family emphasize principles such as creating value through the reuse and recovery of resources, systems thinking, resource tracking, and ecosystem resilience. They promote practices such as product redesign, reuse, recycling, and industrial symbiosis, encouraging companies to adopt practices that reduce dependence on finite resources and generate socio-environmental benefits.

Exploring and applying these circular options, therefore, is an act of business and social responsibility, as well as a strategic decision that positions companies in a differentiated place in an increasingly demanding market.

Circular Talks

To learn more about all of this, the Circular Movement, together with NUECO, an Argentine company dedicated to training and consulting in Circular Economy, held a webinar aimed at companies and individuals interested in taking a further step in their business models to become protagonists of circularity: “The New ISO and the Challenges of Circular Economy in Current Times.” We will discuss the new ISO in Circular Economy with representatives from NUECO, as well as address Circular Economy in current times with our Ambassador from Mexico, Marisol Del Toro.

Check it out:

About Circular Movement

Created in 2020, Circular Movement is a collaborative ecosystem committed to encouraging the transition from a linear to a circular economy. The idea that all resources can be reused and transformed is the motto of the Circular Economy, the basic concept of the movement. Circular Movement is an open initiative that promotes collaborative spaces with the aim of informing individuals and institutions that a waste-free future is possible through education and culture, the adoption of new behaviors, inclusion, and the development of new processes, products, and attitudes. The work is done in partnership with Dow, a chemical, plastics, and agricultural products company based in Michigan, USA. Circular Movement currently impacts 2 million people through its activations and content.

And you? Do you want to learn more about Circular Economy?

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, access Circular Academy, the first free Latin American course on Circular Economy aimed at the general public. Together, in partnership and collaboration, we can make a difference in building a more circular planet.