The global economy can be characterized as “linear” as it is mainly based on extraction, production, use and disposal. This linear economy leads to resource depletion, biodiversity losses, waste and pollution causing serious damage to the capacity of our planet to continue to provide for the needs of future generations. Moreover several planetary boundaries are already reached or exceeded.
To meet our current and future human needs (welfare, housing, nutrition, healthcare, mobility, etc.), there is an increased understanding that a transition towards an economy that is more circular, based on a circular flow of resources, can create and share more value with society and stakeholders, while natural resources are managed and regenerated in a sustainable way, securing the quality and resilience of ecosystems.
Organizations recognize many potential reasons to engage in a circular economy, e.g., delivering more competitive, and sustainable solutions; improved relationships with stakeholders; more effective and efficient ways to fulfil voluntary commitments or legal requirements; engaging in climate change mitigation or adaptation; managing resource scarcity risks, increasing resilience in the environmental, social and economic systems, while contributing to satisfying human needs.
The ISO 59000 series of documents (see Figure 1) is designed to harmonize the understanding of the circular economy and to support its implementation and measurement.
The series also supports organizations, such as government, industry, and non-profit organizations in contributing to the achievement of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.