The newly published ISO 59014:2024 establishes a benchmark for sustainability and traceability in recycled materials, providing organizations with principles, requirements, and guidance to promote responsible and efficient resource use. In line with ISO’s commitment to a life cycle perspective and circular economy, this standard strengthens efforts to reduce dependence on virgin materials, mitigate environmental risks, and enhance the social and economic value of recovered materials.
Despite growing sustainability efforts, the global economy remains largely linear—extracting materials, using them, and discarding waste—leading to resource depletion, pollution, and social inequalities. ISO 59014 addresses the urgent need for a standardized approach to sustainable secondary material recovery, ensuring that materials re-entering the economy comply with best environmental and social practices while preventing negative impacts across value chains.
A critical aspect of this standard is its recognition of waste management workers in emerging economies, many of whom rely on subsistence activities for their livelihoods. These individuals are a key part of the value chain that ISO 59014 seeks to improve. As Sonia Valdivia, co-convener of the standard, explains:
Can we maximize both the quantity and quality of recycled materials while improving working conditions for waste management workers? With ISO 59014, the answer is yes. For the first time, ISO acknowledges the crucial role of micro suppliers and subsistence workers—often the backbone of waste management, especially in emerging economies. This standard provides essential guidance rooted in social and environmental life cycle perspectives and circular economy principles.
By implementing ISO 59014, organizations can:
- Reduce waste and pollution by maximizing resource recovery.
- Improve supply chain transparency and accountability through robust traceability measures.
- Support the transition to a circular economy, fostering innovation and sustainability in material use.
- Support fair and safe labor conditions, particularly for workers engaged in subsistence activities.
A Pillar of the ISO Circular Economy and Environmental Management/LCA Standards Family
ISO 59014:2024 aligns closely with the ISO Strategy and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). By fostering sustainable material flows and responsible resource recovery, the standard directly supports global efforts to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental degradation.
Developed collaboratively under ISO Technical Committees 207 (Environmental Management/Life Cycle Assessment) and 323 (Circular Economy), ISO 59014:2024 was convened by the World Resources Forum (Switzerland) and B.E.M. Recycling (Mauritius).
It was published alongside the first standards of the ISO 59000 series, complementing:
- ISO 59004 (circular economy principles and implementation)
- ISO 59010 (guidance on business model transitions)
- ISO 59020 (circularity performance measurement)
- ISO 59040 (product circularity data sheet)
Together, these standards create a structured framework for organizations to effectively implement circular economy strategies, ensuring resource efficiency and sustainability across industries.
Join the Webinar on March 11!
On March 11, 12.30 – 13.30 CET, a WRF25 webinar will introduce ISO 59014 and explore its practical implementation. Experts will discuss its usability, benefits, and real-world applications. A highly interactive session, it will feature both expert presentations and an engaging audience discussion.
The webinar is free to attend, but registration is required.