For decades, the global economy has operated on a linear model—extract, use, and dispose—leading to resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and growing waste. Transitioning to a circular economy is essential, but to make it truly sustainable, we must ensure that recovered (or secondary) materials are managed efficiently, safely, and transparently.
ISO 59014 was developed to address several critical challenges in this transition. One major issue is the environmental and social risks associated with secondary material recovery. In many parts of the world, waste is handled under unsafe conditions, particularly by informal workers engaged in subsistence activities. These individuals often lack legal recognition, face hazardous working environments, and struggle to earn a fair income.
Another key challenge is traceability. Without proper tracking of recovered materials, it is difficult to ensure they meet sustainability standards and avoid contributing to hidden environmental or social burdens. Inconsistent management across industries and countries also creates inefficiencies and potential for harm, as one solution may inadvertently shift problems elsewhere in the supply chain.
ISO 59014 provides a structured framework to address these gaps. It establishes clear principles and requirements for organizations involved in secondary material recovery, ensuring safer working conditions, responsible resource management, and full material traceability. By integrating sustainability into every stage of the recovery process and aligning with broader ISO standards on circular economy and environmental management, it helps create a more consistent and ethical approach to keeping materials in circulation.
By 2023, the ISO Draft International Standard (ISO/DIS) 59014 was published, undergoing global consultation by national standardisation bodies.
In 2024, the ISO 59014 standard was successfully published on October 1, 2024, with support from about 70 countries and no disapproval votes.
The standard includes a Recovery Pathways Methodology and supporting mechanisms for individuals in subsistence activities.
Objective: the ISO 59014 standard aims to establish principles, requirements, and guidance to ensure sustainability and traceability in the recovery of secondary materials, supporting circular economy implementation and minimizing environmental and social impacts. It aligns with the ISO 59000 (Circular Economy) and ISO 14000 (Environmental Management) families.
The standard ISO 59104 has been published in October, 2024, and is available for purchase at the ISO Standards Catalogue.