Is there any connection between ISO 14001 and the circular economy
The ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems is globally recognized standard. According to ISO statistics for 2021, there are 2,166 organizations certified for compliance with ISO 14001 in Bulgaria (see how to certify your organization). The standard helps organizations manage their environmental impact more effectively and improve their environmental performance. There is also a European Union position on additional measures to achieve environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality by 2050, expressed in the circular economy plan adopted in 2021 – a model based on limiting waste, reusing and recycling resources and promoting of sustainable development.
There is a clear connection between ISO 14001 and the circular economy. Organizations implementing ISO 14001 are required to identify and assess significant areas of their environmental impact, to develop goals and objectives to improve their environmental performance. These goals and objectives can be aligned with the principles of the circular economy – reducing waste, reusing resources and promoting sustainable development.
Any organization can develop a waste reduction program as part of its environmental management system – to identify areas of its operations where waste can be reduced or eliminated. This can be done by redesigning the products it manufactures, or by changing processes or substituting materials. For example, we can give a paper factory.
In the traditional paper production, wood is processed, separating the pulp needed to create paper. After use, the paper is usually thrown away and the process starts over. In closed-loop paper production, the process recycles and reuses secondary paper within the production process. Used paper is collected, sorted and processed to remove ink, staples and other contaminants. The separated cellulose fibres are then processed and used to create new paper products. This closed loop process reduces the amount of wood used, saves energy and reduces waste. When producing paper in the circular economy model, even in the design of the paper products, their secondary use is foreseen, in order to facilitate the recycling and reuse of the cellulose fibres in the production process. I.e., paper products are designed with fewer additives and coatings that prevent the separation of cellulose in the recycling process.
The ISO 14001 standard helps organizations also reduce their environmental footprint. This is done by implementing procedures for managing hazardous materials, reducing harmful gas emissions and conserving resources such as water and energy. The standard also requires ongoing monitoring and review of environmental impact, including analysing energy consumption data, monitoring waste generation and tracking emissions. By measuring and tracking, organizations can identify areas to improve and take corrective action if necessary.
Therefore, by identifying environmental impacts and setting targets, implementing operational controls and monitoring, organizations can improve their environmental performance, reduce their environmental impact and implement sustainable practices.