Standardization and norms

Forerunners in the circular economy are departing from prevailing industry standards. This is brave and much needed. But they also often encounter the obstacles of the current system. To make Circular Design truly the standard, new industry and supply chain agreements are needed. Think of agreements on standards, the standardization of materials or equal sizing. Agreements that are made collectively, to then apply as new design criteria for individual parties.

Collective agreements on the quality of materials and products, ensure their value retention. Which standards and norms are needed obviously depends on the chain in question. Such agreements will therefore be designed for each industry, with or without the involvement of public parties. But which standards already exist? What is being worked on? And how do you arrive at these kinds of collective agreements? Below we share available and relevant insights on standardization and norms around circular design.