BSI has launched a new standard for the ‘circular economy’, BS 8001: 2017: Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – guide.

The ‘circular economy’ is a concept that challenges organizations to re-think how their resources are managed in order to create financial, environmental and social benefits. BS 8001 was developed to meet these mutually beneficial goals, by providing guiding principles for organizations and individuals to consider and implement more sustainable practices.

One of the key aims of the circular economy is to keep products, components and materials at their highest utility and value at all times, in keeping with the mantra of the circular economy as being restorative and regenerative by design. BS 8001 outlines what the circular economy is and how an organisation can transition from a linear to a circular, and more sustainable, day-to-day operation.

David Fatscher, Head of Sustainability at BSI, said: “Resource productivity is at the heart of the government’s new Industrial Strategy and demonstrates how standards can be considered business improvement tools, which help organizations unlock the untapped potential of sustainable growth. BS 8001 was developed to enable organisations to take practical actions to realise the economic and social benefits of the circular economy.”