Circular Economy Verification

What Is the Circular Economy?

The current global economy is primarily based on a “linear” model that involves the extraction, production, use, and disposal of resources. This approach leads to resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and the generation of waste, harming the planet’s capacity to meet future needs.

In response, a transition toward a circular economy is proposed, promoting a sustainable and renewable use of resources. Its goal is to meet current and future human needs, create social value, and preserve ecosystems. In this context, the circular economy pyramid stands out, prioritizing prevention first, followed by different stages until the final disposal of waste.

Which Standards help companies implement a circular economy system?

There are various Standards that help organizations establish a system oriented toward the circular economy:

• ISO 59004: Defines the principles of the circular economy. It establishes fundamentals and key concepts for its implementation in organizations, including terms such as regeneration, reuse, waste reduction, and resource optimization.
• ISO 59010: A guide for implementing the circular economy. It helps companies integrate these principles into their various processes and business models.
• ISO 59020: Establishes the performance indicators of the circular economy. It is the Standard on which Applus+ Certification bases its various verifications in circular economy.

ISO 59020 provides a framework for assessing a company’s performance in terms of circularity, defining key performance indicators and evaluation methods to measure circularity in products, services, and business processes.

Who Is It For?

Circular economy verification can be obtained by a wide range of organizations: companies of any size and sector, governmental entities, and NGOs. To achieve this, they must demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and an efficient use of resources, aligning themselves with the principles of the circular economy.

This verification is especially valuable for those seeking to improve their environmental performance, optimize processes, and generate social value, while complying with international standards that guide the implementation of circular models.

What Does Obtaining a Circular Economy Certification Offer a Company?

Obtaining circular economy certification can bring multiple benefits to a company:

• Optimizes the use of resources and reduces the generation of waste.
• Facilitates compliance with international standards and sustainability policies related to the circular economy.
• Encourages the reuse and recycling of materials, which can lead to cost savings in production and waste management.
• Promotes a more efficient use and reuse of materials.
• Addresses the growing demand from consumers and markets looking for sustainable products aligned with circular economy practices.
• Drives innovation through the design of reusable products or those with a longer life cycle.

Why Get Certified with Applus+ Certification?

Companies that verify their circular economy practices under the ISO 59020 Standard with Applus+ Certification will gain a competitive advantage, thanks to having an internationally recognized verification across multiple sectors.

Applus+ Certification offers a rigorous, expert approach, ensuring that the circular practices implemented are both solid and effective. Likewise, working with Applus+ Certification guarantees a reliable and transparent audit process, backed by the expertise of a leading certification organization.